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Brookside actor arrested after running fake modeling agencies
Brookside actor arrested in Spain after year on Britain's most wanted list.
In brief
Brookside actor arrested in Spain after year on Britain's most wanted list. Barry Philip Foster, 51, a former Brookside actor, was arrested in Spain after running a network of fake modeling agencies that defrauded over 6,000 victims of millions of pounds. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Brookside actor arrested in Spain
Barry Philip Foster, 51, a former Brookside actor, was arrested on Spain's Costa Blanca after a year on Britain's most wanted list.
Foster's fraud operation
Foster ran a network of fake modeling agencies and photography studios that defrauded victims out of large sums of cash through false promises of professional modeling opportunities.
Victims duped by fake agency
Victims were told they could earn money as professional models but were handed poor quality digital photographs that were not usable for professional jobs.
Foster's eight-and-a-half year sentence
Foster received an eight-and-a-half year prison sentence at Sheffield Crown Court in February 2025 for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.
Arrest in Torrevieja
The Civil Guard arrested Foster in Torrevieja, south of Alicante, where he was believed to be hiding after links to Marbella on the Costa del Sol.
Seized assets and documents
Police seized 22,000 euros in cash and several false identity documents from Foster's home during the arrest in Torrevieja.
Foster's network of fraud
Foster and his team set up fake photographic studios and ran social media campaigns to attract victims who were then duped into purchasing portfolio photographs for fake agency opportunities.
Over 6,000 victims
More than 6,000 victims parted with money on the false promise of securing paid modeling work from Foster's fake agencies.
Fraud uncovered after six years
The scam was uncovered in a six-year investigation by National Trading Standards, which found Foster's operations caused lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures for victims.
Foster's wife's death
Foster's wife Nicola Jones died in May, though reports indicate it was from natural causes, not the homicide the Civil Guard was investigating.
NCA's statement
The National Crime Agency stated Foster's arrest demonstrates the continued success of the most wanted campaign and their commitment to tracking down criminals wanted by UK law enforcement.
Civil Guard's role
The Civil Guard arrested Foster during inquiries into a homicide in the same locality where they found him wanted by British authorities.
Foster's fraud tactics
Victims were invited to 'free' test shoots that turned out to be ruses to extort money through credit deals or expensive payday loans.
Foster's address
Foster's address was given as Chermside Road, Liverpool, but he operated from his base in Spain for the fraud operation.
Eight others sentenced
Eight other people were sentenced in relation to the fraud and an arrest warrant was issued for Foster and an associate after both failed to appear in court.
Foster's arrest details
Foster was arrested on an international arrest warrant in Torrevieja, south of Alicante, with the support of the Citizen Security Unit (USECIC).
In short
Barry Philip Foster, 51, a former Brookside actor, was arrested in Spain after running a network of fake modeling agencies that defrauded over 6,000 victims of millions of pounds.
