by David P. Greisman

British welterweight Lee Purdy was one of six people arrested earlier this week and accused of money laundering, according to BBC News.

Their charges are “in connection with frauds against elderly and vulnerable people in Essex,” the report said. “Seven other people have already been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation between 2009 and 2013. Police said nearly 40 people, aged 65 to 99, were thought to have been victims of fraud totaling more than £1 million.”

More details on what the alleged fraud entailed were not included in the article.

Purdy is free on bail and due back in court on Sept. 10.

The 26-year-old was last seen in May stepping in against Devon Alexander as a late replacement for Kell Brook. Alexander topped Purdy via a seventh-round technical knockout. The loss brought Purdy’s record to 20-4-1 with 13 knockouts.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com