Clockwise from top left: Kenny Dalglish, Rick Parfitt, Wayne Rooney, Jimmy Carr, Lady Ann Redgrave, Arsene Wenger
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by anyone who put money into Cobalt Data Centres 2 and 3, nor that they were aware they would not be tenanted and functioning within a reasonable time. Some investors have had tax payment demands, the BBC understands.
Generous tax allowances These accelerated payment notices (APNs) - requiring an individual to pay first and appeal afterwards if they disagree - are issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if it believes too little tax has been paid. Harcourt Capital said HMRC began an inquiry into the centres in 2012 but did no work on it until 2015. Some investors had been "forced" to fight HMRC demands for payment of tax and had taken the matter to tribunal and court, it added. HMRC said it could not comment on individual cases.
Image caption Cobalt Data Centres 2 and 3 have never had tenants The data centres are surrounded by lawn and leafy trees within sight of major companies, council offices and government departments on Cobalt Business Park on North Tyneside. They were marketed as shells, poised to house computer servers belonging to whoever needed somewhere to put them. A list of promised specifications included a dedicated power supply from the National Grid and security measures such as mantraps - a vestibule with two set of interlocking doors, rather than anything more brutal.
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Footballers, celebrities, lawyers, accountants, doctors, dentists, board members of well-known businesses, millionaires and people involved in banking and finance were among the 675 investors. Household names involved include Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, Terry Venables, Marouane Fellaini, Lady Elizabeth-Ann Redgrave, Arsene Wenger, Oscar-nominated producer of Harry Potter films and Gravity, David Heyman, and co-owner of T in the Park and V Festival, Simon Moran. Comedian Jimmy Carr, who was criticised in 2012 for sheltering income using the legal but aggressive K2 tax avoidance scheme, resigned as a member of Cobalt Data Centre 2 in May. His agent has not responded to requests for comment. Representatives of Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and David Heyman declined to comment. Rick Parfitt's principal consultant said: "As this matter is currently under appeal it would be inappropriate to comment at this time." Dr Redgrave said she had invested "in good faith on the advice of my financial advisor through an investment scheme". The agent of Roy Hodgson and Arsene Wenger said his clients were "pleased to invest in government-backed regeneration programmes which will hopefully help to generate new jobs in these areas". Mr Dalglish, Mr Venables and Mr Moran have been approached for comment.
What is a data centre?
Storage They house computer servers belonging to companies, businesses and government organisations
Connectivity High speed, specialised internet infrastructure is provided
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Security Physical and virtual barriers are an essential element to protect against data theft
Safety Uninterruptible and dedicated power supplies are usually provided, along with heat, flood and fire protection
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