TL;DR: Lawyer Monthly reported on December 16, 2025 that Nigel Baker, 56, was jailed for 17 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court for taking over £900,000 from five women he met on dating apps by selling a “risk-free” betting business. Reportedly the longest UK romance fraud sentence, it followed a unanimous jury verdict on 18 counts of fraud by false representation.
What happened
Lawyer Monthly reports that Nigel Baker, 56, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 17 years in prison, thought to be the longest UK romance fraud sentence, after a jury unanimously convicted him of 18 counts of fraud by false representation. Casino.org adds that prosecutors said the offences ran from 2012 to 2020 and that more than £1 million may have been stolen overall when unprosecuted allegations are included.
How the scam worked
- He posed as a successful businessman on dating apps and targeted divorced women, often single mothers.
- He claimed insider knowledge of betting platforms and “zero-risk” trading, and persuaded women to drain savings, sell homes and take loans of up to £200,000 for a “risk-free” betting business.
- He invented crises: being unable to feed his children, his father's boiler needing repair, his dog needing emergency vet treatment. In one case he claimed London gangsters would kill him unless a victim sent £50,000 immediately.
- Once victims were drained, he returned to dating apps. None of the money was repaid; it was lost to gambling.
What the judge and victims said
Judge Charles Falk said the total loss exceeded £900,000 and called Baker a “complete charlatan” who “mercilessly and cynically exploited” the trust placed in him. A divorced police officer who gave nearly £80,000 called him a “dangerous predator” and said what she believed was love was manipulation and deceit for financial gain. Casino.org reports his lawyer argued PTSD linked to the 1989 Marchioness disaster, which the judge rejected.
Red flags
- A new partner who says he can make you money from betting or trading.
- Pressure to sell your home or take loans for the “business”.
- A string of crises, especially threats from “gangsters”.
- Overlapping relationships with several women, which you cannot see.
Read our guides on dating app romance scams and red flags. If you have lost money, report to Report Fraud and read romance scam recovery steps. Our free digital footprint check shows what scammers could find about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nigel Baker's sentence?
17 years in prison, thought to be the longest UK romance fraud sentence, after convictions on 18 counts of fraud by false representation.
How much did he take?
More than £900,000 from five women, according to Lawyer Monthly. Casino.org says more than £1 million may be involved when unprosecuted allegations are included.
What was the scam?
A “risk-free” betting business he said he ran with insider knowledge, which women funded by selling homes and taking loans.
Was any money recovered?
The report says none of the money was repaid and it was lost to gambling.
Sources
- Lawyer Monthly: Nigel Baker romance fraud, love used as a weapon (Dec 16, 2025)
- Casino.org: UK's most prolific romance fraudster posed as betting boss, locked up for 17 years (Dec 17, 2025)
- Report Fraud (UK national fraud reporting service)