Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti wanted in Albania over alleged fraud

Albanian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Leyton Orient owner Francesco Becchetti, who has been accused of fraud-related offences and money laundering, according to reports

A failed hydroelectric scheme allegedly cost the Albanian government tens of millions of Euros in grants and unpaid taxes.

Associated Press have reported that prosecutors said they issued the warrant on Monday for O’s Italian owner Becchetti, his mother and two associates.

They also ordered the seizure of assets in Albania of the 48-year-old Becchetti, whose companies include a private television channel called Agon.

The investigation into his activities was launched over a major hydroelectric plant that allegedly was never built. The charges against him carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Becchetti bought the Brisbane Road club from Barry Hearn last summer for a reported £4 million. Leyton Orient have been contacted over the allegation but have yet to comment.