Rob Cross has accumulated an enormously high amount of tax debt. The 2018 world champion is suspended by his own company.
It wasn’t quite enough for the win, but at least there was some sporting news about Rob Cross again. The Englishman fought his way into the final of the Nordic Darts Masters on Saturday, where he lost to Stephen Bunting.
Shortly before the tournament, it came out that former world champion Cross has to pay more than 400,000 British pounds in back taxes and has been suspended from his own company!
An investigation by the British insolvency authority revealed that the Englishman had accumulated a considerable amount of tax debt over several years. The government agency also made this case public on X.
“Voltage” is said to have withdrawn over £300,000 in company assets, even though this money was owed to creditors, including the British tax authority HMRC.
The consequence: Cross was provisionally suspended as managing director of his company “Rob Cross Darts Limited” – which was founded eight years ago to manage his income and prize money. A ban on the management function until 2030 is threatened.
Meanwhile, Cross has initiated an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) to settle his debts in an orderly manner. Due to the amount of debt, the procedure is expected to take several years.
Kevin Read, chief investigator of the insolvency administration, explained: “If directors do not meet their tax obligations, they jeopardize the financing of essential public services such as healthcare, schools, infrastructure or defense.”
Clear Announcement to Cross: “Take Consistent Action Against It”
Regarding the Cross case, he said: “For more than three years, Mr. Cross has withdrawn funds from the company that should have been paid to the tax office and other creditors. This case underscores that we will take consistent action against violations of this type,” Read made clear.
According to the investigation, “Rob Cross Darts Limited” generated revenues of over one million pounds between March 2020 and the liquidation in 2023. Cross is said to have directly withdrawn over £300,000, and more than £600,000 flowed into the private account of a related party. Investigations are also underway here.
The outstanding claims from the tax authorities: £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in value added tax and £12,436 in social security contributions. However, only £41,936 was paid. The total debts of the company at the time of liquidation are said to have amounted to £579,805.
Cross’s disqualification obligation has already been accepted by the British Secretary of State for Economy and Trade. The ban came into force on June 5 and prohibits Cross from participating in the management, establishment or administration of a company without judicial approval.