UK Government £100million+ at Risk

The UK government is at risk of losing over £100 million of taxpayer money to the Hales family, who were awarded global Covid contracts worth more than £2.5 billion. This latest development centers on the Hales family from Sydney, Australia, and their intricate network of companies linked to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), also known as the Exclusive Brethren.

The Hales Family and the PBCC

Bruce Hales, based in Sydney, Australia, is the leader of the PBCC. Under his leadership, the sect, with only 54,000 members worldwide, has amassed a substantial global commercial enterprise. In 2023, this enterprise had a turnover of £22 billion (AUS $43 billion). The PBCC's influence and financial success have grown significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, yet the full extent of their involvement has largely escaped mainstream media attention.

Covid Contract Companies and Global Reach

The Hales family, particularly Bruce Hales’ sons Gareth, Charles, and Dean, have capitalized on the pandemic through several newly formed companies that secured contracts globally. These companies, incorporated in 2020, have secured contracts worth a minimum of £2.6 billion (AUS $5 billion).
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Key Companies:

  • Sante Global LLP (UK): 99% owned by Charles and Gareth Hales.
  • Sante Global PTY Ltd (Australia): Owned equally by Charles and Gareth Hales.
  • Sante USA LLC (USA): Related entity.
  • Sante Group Ltd (New Zealand): Owned equally by Charles and Gareth Hales.
  • 2San PTY Ltd (Australia): Main shareholder is Dean Hales.
  • 2San Global Ltd (UK): Involves Dean Hales.
  • Medco Solutions PTY Ltd (Australia): Main shareholder is Dean Hales.
  • Medco Solutions LLC (USA): Main shareholder is Dean Hales.

These companies, along with several linked entities, secured contracts worth £2.575 billion. This includes notable awards such as £680 million for PPE and £863 million for tests in the UK alone. 

The £100 Million Legal Dispute

The primary case revolves around the termination of a £271 million contract with Sante Global LLP and Mornington 2000 LLP t/a Sterilab Services by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The termination was due to alleged violations in labor laws, health and safety, and worker payment obligations at the factory of their supplier in China. The Hales family companies are now seeking £100 million in damages for wrongful termination, along with further claims for lost opportunities to tender for additional contracts.
For more details on the case, refer to the full court ruling here.


Implications and Further Investigations

The case raises significant concerns about the UK government’s procurement processes during the pandemic. The rapid incorporation of these companies and their substantial turnovers suggest intricate financial maneuvers, with the income reported far exceeding the value of awarded contracts. This discrepancy hints at possible inter-company transactions that may need further investigation.

Moreover, the employment of former UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) staff by 2San Global shortly after their tenure raises ethical questions. Mark Hewlett, former Director of Testing for the UKHSA, became CEO of 2San Global, a company closely linked to the Hales family, within weeks of leaving his government post.

Conclusion

The Sante Global pursuit of additional compensation from the UK government, despite their substantial pandemic profits, could result in an additional burden on UK taxpayers. This case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of government contracts awarded during the pandemic and the practices of those who benefited the most.

The intricate web of companies and the substantial sums involved underline the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement, especially during times of crisis.