President Trump pardons Tottenham owner convicted of fraud

US President Donald Trump pardoned billionaire Joe Louis this Thursday. According to the White House itself, Mr Lewis, who was convicted of fraud, is the owner of London football club Tottenham Hotspur. He pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and was sentenced to three years’ probation and a $5 million fine.

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White House officials said the tycoon asked Trump for a pardon so he could receive treatment and visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the United States.

“I’m glad it’s all over,” the 88-year-old British billionaire said in a statement to The Athletic, a New York Times sports website.

See more photos of President Trump in the UK

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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in the UK for an unprecedented state visit — Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in the UK for an unprecedented state visit — Photo: Jonathan Brady

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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in the UK for an unprecedented state visit — Photo: TOBY MELVILLE

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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in the UK for an unprecedented state visit — Photo: Chris Jackson

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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in the UK for an unprecedented state visit — Photo: AARON CHOWN

Lewis said the family hopes to “continue to build on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become its hallmark.” The Athletic also quoted a source close to the family as saying, “We are grateful to President Trump.”

According to Forbes, Joe Louis’s fortune is estimated at US$6.8 billion. He built a reputation as a currency speculator in the 1980s and 1990s.