Ex-Brookside actor Philip Foster arrested in Spain over £13.6m fraud
The former actor was convicted in his absence and sentenced to eight-and-a-half years for defrauding aspiring models.
Philip Foster, a former actor known for his role in the television soap Brookside, has been apprehended in Spain. He was detained by Guardia Civil officers in Alicante on Thursday. Foster, aged 51, had previously absconded after being granted bail, failing to appear for his trial.
Conviction and Sentence
Foster was convicted in his absence of fraud and money laundering at Sheffield Crown Court in February 2025. He was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment. The National Crime Agency (NCA) stated that Foster jumped bail before his trial concluded.
The criminal enterprise operated for over eight years, utilising a network of fake modelling agencies and photography studios across cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry, and Nottingham. These operations targeted aspiring models and their parents with false promises of paid work.
The Fraud Scheme
An investigation by National Trading Standards (NTS) revealed that more than 6,000 individuals were defrauded of substantial sums. Victims responded to advertisements and were invited for 'free' test shoots. They were then pressured into purchasing expensive photographic portfolios from the fraudulent studios, with the assurance that these were required for agency representation.
Many victims resorted to credit deals or payday loans to cover the upfront costs. In return, they received low-quality digital images with little prospect of securing professional modelling jobs. The NTS reported that most victims did not obtain any paid modelling work.
Foster, who reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle in Spain, is understood to have used proceeds from the fraud to purchase high-value items such as watches and cars. Victims informed NTS investigators that they suffered significant financial and emotional distress, feeling betrayed by the deception.
Next Steps
Foster is the fourth individual featured on the NCA's recent most wanted list to be apprehended. Extradition proceedings are currently in progress to bring him back to the United Kingdom to face his sentence. The investigation was a joint effort between the NCA and National Trading Standards.
Questions this report answers
01Why has Philip Foster been arrested in Spain?
Philip Foster, a former Brookside actor, was arrested in Alicante, Spain, after jumping bail. He was wanted to serve an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for fraud and money laundering convictions made in his absence.
02What was the fraud Philip Foster was convicted of?
Foster was convicted of running a £13.6 million fraud involving sham modelling agencies that exploited over 6,000 aspiring models and their parents. Victims were falsely promised modelling work and pressured into buying expensive photo portfolios.
03What happens next for Philip Foster?
Extradition proceedings are underway to bring Philip Foster back to the UK. He is expected to serve the eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence he received after being convicted in his absence.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the deskContinue the investigation
CourtsBakerloo line attacker admits attempted rape