By jaswooduk from UK
£1m in fake festival passes, unpaid debts, and a vanished conman – former friends reveal how he pulled it off.
A Reputation for Access and Extravagance
Miles Hart, once known among former classmates as the go-to person for acquiring exclusive experiences, built a reputation as someone who could “get anything.” According to peers from his elite boarding school, he once surprised friends with a fully funded trip to Paris on a private jet, arranged less than 24 hours in advance.
Capitalising on this trust, Hart began offering Glastonbury Festival tickets, high-end hospitality passes and VIP Access All Areas credentials. Claiming he had privileged access due to his family owning land near the festival site or through connections with a company operating there, many of his former classmates entered into deals without hesitation.
Sales Go Global – Then Collapse
Within just a few years, his ticket dealings expanded internationally, reportedly involving around £1m worth of Glastonbury passes sold to desperate festivalgoers who missed out on official sales. However, as the 2024 festival approached, it became clear that the tickets did not exist. Investigations revealed the use of fake email accounts and forged invoices. Hart, now aged 27, disappeared from view.
The BBC interviewed former friends to retrace how Hart managed to pull off his schemes, uncovering a web of deceit including unpaid debts to close contacts and even false promises made to the grieving family of a deceased friend.
‘The Joker of the Group’ and the Beginning of the Scam
Former classmates described Hart as charismatic, intelligent and humorous – “the joker” among friends at Millfield School, an elite £12,000-per-term institution in Somerset, close to the Glastonbury Festival site. Elle, who knew Hart aged 10, said his social influence made him appear capable of accessing the exclusive festival.
Glastonbury Festival tickets typically sell out in minutes, and organisers state that only tickets purchased via official outlet See Tickets are valid, linked to photo ID to prevent touting. Yet Hart successfully exploited peer trust by claiming access to exclusive alternative sources.
Early Warnings Ignored
One former student, Seb, purchased a ticket for the 2022 festival after being told Hart had secured 42 hospitality passes due to his family’s alleged land rentals. Two days before the festival, when Seb contacted organisers for verification, he was informed they had no knowledge of Hart. His calls were ignored, while rumours circulated that Hart was partying in Paris.
Elle’s best friend, Cian, also paid Hart for tickets and sought her help recovering the funds. Other mutual acquaintances then began approaching Elle, claiming they too had been duped.
Tragically, Cian died of a sudden heart attack months later. At the funeral in New Zealand, Cian’s mother asked Elle to help recover the £500 owed by Hart to assist with costs. Hart sent a voice message claiming the money was “in the post,” but three years later, no payment has been made.
Repeat Scam Targets Dozens More
In 2023, Hart again sold Glastonbury tickets to around 50 individuals, failing once more to deliver. Kate, another former school associate, joined WhatsApp discussions where more alleged victims emerged. Individuals claimed Hart had also borrowed significant sums without repayment. One nightclub receipt circulated showing a £200,000 bill, with a note asking, “Where’s your friend? He owes me this.”
Elle and Kate reflected that the extravagant trips, including the Paris excursion, may have been funded through scammed money. “He was going on luxury holidays and spending crazy amounts of money that likely wasn’t his,” Elle said.
The 2024 Glastonbury Scheme – Largest Fraud Yet
As the 2024 festival neared, individuals who had missed official ticket releases turned to two sources: Ibiza promoter Kai Cant, who advertised hospitality passes for £1,350, and corporate outlet Star Gaze Entertainment. Both had allegedly agreed to supply their customers with tickets provided by Hart.
One purchaser, DJ Danny, was told Hart had access due to working with catering services at the festival. Hart also reportedly claimed his mother, local councillor Susannah Hart, could acquire passes due to her position. In reality, Somerset councillors have no such privileges, and Susannah had no involvement.
Star Gaze employee Will, who worked a seasonal role, said he personally sold hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of tickets but was unaware of their source.
In total, nearly £1m in customer payments was linked to Hart’s promises.
Failed Handover and Vanishing Act
As concerns mounted, Hart claimed he would deliver tickets in person across hotel meet-ups in England. Will travelled to Glastonbury to collect tickets on behalf of Star Gaze customers. After hours of waiting, Hart failed to appear at any of the locations. His hidden caller ID prevented victims reaching him directly.
Danny later received a call from a withheld number. Hart claimed his phone had issues and said the tickets had been cancelled because “Glastonbury found out and shut everything down.”
A video later circulated showing Hart confronted in public and asked to refund £10,000 by the next day. He agreed—then disappeared once again.
Debt, Court Battles, and Family Fallout
Elle sought further clarity and visited Hart’s godmother, Annamaria, who had previously supported his family financially. During his mother’s divorce and financial struggles, she took over mortgage payments and helped cover school fees. Over time, she claims Susannah Hart owed her £300,000, and after multiple legal battles, Annamaria took ownership of the home.
In 2023, at auction, Hart unexpectedly appeared and placed a winning bid. He paid a £90,000 deposit via cheque, which bounced three days later. Though the house was sold elsewhere, Hart remains liable for the unpaid amount under auction rules.
In a house clearance, Annamaria discovered a folder containing numerous bank cards registered in different names—those of former friends. Elle later confirmed several people said Hart had recruited them at university to open accounts in exchange for £100, promising to cancel them afterwards. Instead, experts believe he used their accounts as “money mule” channels to obscure illicit transactions.
Victims Report Threats and Fear of Reprisal
Following the collapse of the scheme, promoter Kai Cant stated he repaid all of his own customers but was left with £500,000 in debt, forcing him into hiding in Spain. The current owner of Hart’s former residence told the BBC he received threatening visits from debt collectors, bailiffs, and two men who appeared intent on causing harm.
The homeowner has since installed eight security cameras, facial and number plate recognition systems, and laser detection, describing the property as “like Fort Knox.”
Secret Recording Suggests Attempts to Secure Funds
The BBC obtained an undercover recording of Hart meeting an unidentified individual, believing it was to facilitate a business deal. In the recording, Hart admits he has debt that must be paid, saying: “I was involved in something that went wrong.” He claims one group of customers is angry, while others are willing to wait.
When the other party warns he represents a group owed £480,000, stating “people want blood,” Hart promises payment within 56 days, stating: “I am an honest person.” No repayments have reportedly been made.
Ongoing Investigations and Hart’s Disappearance
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it is investigating up to 50 allegations of ticket fraud linked to the 2024 Glastonbury Festival. Hart was contacted via lawyers, who claimed there were “material inaccuracies” in the allegations and that they should not be considered a reliable representation of events.
Hart’s current whereabouts are unknown. His last confirmed sighting was at a pub near Glastonbury shortly before the 2024 festival.
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