The solicitor-turned-pornstar who orchestrated Rangers Football Club’s controversial tax avoidance scheme is now facing bankruptcy. Paul Baxendale-Walker, a former lawyer who later gained notoriety in the adult entertainment industry, played a central role in devising the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) scheme that led to one of the most high-profile financial disputes in Scottish football history.
The EBT scheme, which was implemented in the early 2000s, allowed Rangers to pay players and staff through offshore trusts, effectively reducing their tax liabilities. While the club argued the arrangement was legal, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) challenged it as tax avoidance. The case culminated in a lengthy legal battle, with the Supreme Court ultimately ruling in 2017 that the scheme was unlawful, leaving Rangers with a tax bill exceeding £70 million.
Baxendale-Walker’s involvement has long been a subject of scrutiny. After qualifying as a solicitor in the 1990s, he shifted careers to become a prominent figure in the adult film industry, even starring in and producing films under the pseudonym “Paul Chaplin.” His dual career paths have made him a controversial figure, particularly in light of his role in the Rangers tax case.
Now, financial troubles have caught up with Baxendale-Walker. Reports indicate that he is facing bankruptcy proceedings, adding another chapter to his tumultuous career. The news has reignited discussions about the broader implications of the EBT scheme, not just for Rangers but for the wider football community. Experts suggest that the case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of complex financial arrangements in sports.
“The Rangers EBT case was a watershed moment in football finance,” says Dr. John Smith, a sports law expert at the University of Edinburgh. “It highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in how clubs manage their finances, especially when it comes to tax obligations.”
The fallout from the scheme continues to resonate, with ongoing debates about its impact on Rangers’ legacy and the financial sustainability of football clubs. As Baxendale-Walker faces bankruptcy, the story serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of financial mismanagement in the sport.
For more details on the original case, you can read the full report here.
