Sarah Ferguson Business Partner Manuel Fernandez Accused of Threatening Former Worker with Palace Jail Claims
Manuel Fernandez, linked to Sarah Ferguson through business and friendship, allegedly threatened a former employee with jail, claiming royal security implications. A recording details Fernandez and a security adviser implying police investigation for hacking emails, with direct references to 'Palace' involvement and potential two-year sentences under the Computer Misuse Act.
The employee, identified only as 'Alex', recorded a June 2017 meeting where he was purportedly threatened after seeking unpaid invoices from vVoosh, a tech start-up where Ferguson held a 1% stake and loaned approximately £50,000. Alex maintains a company email account for Ferguson, which she never activated, forwarded messages to a common inbox, denying any hacking.
Mark Harry, a former soldier and security adviser, identified as 'Mark' in the recording, reportedly told Alex that 'the Palace… will not stand for it' and that Scotland Yard would prioritise such a case, jeopardising 'the integrity and the security of our royal family'. Harry later stated he understood the matter was 'handled by the appropriate authorities' and disputed the allegations. Ferguson's representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
Fernandez stated he 'strongly disputed' allegations regarding his conduct and vVoosh's financial standing, confirming concerns were reported to authorities, with no action taken against him. Alex subsequently reported the incident to the police and was later arrested and interviewed for three hours regarding alleged email hacking, though no charges were brought.
vVoosh, which secured over £9 million from investors and £1 million in government tax credits, collapsed last year without launching its product. Administrators are pursuing Fernandez, believed to have relocated to Italy, for £324,609 and have submitted a report on directorial conduct to the Department for Business.
