Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's former spin doctor, lost £300,000 (US$370,000) in his son's failed soccer-betting syndicate, according to The Daily Mail's investigation. The venture, managed by Rory Campbell, 37, attracted over 50 investors and accumulated approximately £5 million (US$6.1 million) in total investments.

The syndicate, which claimed to use mathematical models for betting market advantages, reportedly collapsed after Asian sportsbooks failed to pay out winnings. Initially, Rory Campbell assured investors they would receive full refunds by July's end, but later revised the expected returns to "50%-65%."

Investors report being told the scheme was "massively low risk," with safeguards limiting losses to 5% per bookmaker. One investor stated, "Then suddenly all the money has just disappeared. He has provided absolutely zero evidence of where it has gone."

Current negotiations between investors and the Campbell family suggest recoveries may be limited to around 15% of initial investments. Some investors have compiled evidence, including contracts, bank statements, and communications, which they intend to present to law enforcement.

A Campbell family spokesperson responded that the Mail's account was "incomplete and, in several respects, inaccurate," noting that confidential negotiations were ongoing to resolve the matter.

Alastair Campbell, 67, served as Blair's director of communications from 1997 to 2003, earning the informal title "the real deputy prime minister" for his influence as Blair's speechwriter and chief strategist.

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