Tomb Raider Composer Peter Connelly Jailed for Bounce Back Loan Fraud

Peter Connelly, a notable video game composer best known for his work on the Tomb Raider series at Core Design, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently securing a second COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan through his company, Peter Connelly Limited.

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme, which was introduced by the UK government to support small and medium-sized businesses during the economic challenges of the pandemic, strictly permitted each business to apply for only one loan. Connelly, whose credits include composing music for Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000), and co-composing Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003), exaggerated the turnover of his company to obtain a second Bounce Back Loan valued at £37,500 in 2020.

This was despite already securing a £22,000 loan from the scheme approximately a month earlier, contrary to program guidelines.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered that Connelly be disqualified from acting as a company director for six years. David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, addressed the case by stating that Mr.

Connelly “brazenly ignored the terms of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, which was put into place to help legitimate small businesses survive the pandemic.

Not only did he receive two loans where only one was allowed, but he also inflated his company’s turnover figures to access more funds than he was entitled to.” Snasdell further emphasized the commitment of the Insolvency Service to pursue those who took advantage of public funds during a national emergency, ensuring accountability for fraudulent actions. Beyond his work with the Tomb Raider franchise and his time at Core Design, Peter Connelly also contributed as a composer to other high-profile titles including Driver: San Francisco (2011), Watch Dogs (2014), The Crew (2014), and South Park: The Fractured But Whole (2017).

According to statements given during an investigation, Connelly took out additional personal loans and even sold his car in pursuit of reimagining music for the iconic Tomb Raider soundtrack.

The venture was ultimately derailed as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his business, leading Peter Connelly Limited to enter liquidation in August 2021 with both Bounce Back Loans still outstanding.

In June 2022, Connelly entered an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) to address his debts. This development serves as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions for misusing financial relief programs, even for accomplished individuals within the video game industry.

The case underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations, especially when public funds are at stake.

Tomb Raider Peter Connelly Core Design Insolvency Service Peter Connelly Limited Driver: San Francisco Watch Dogs The Crew South Park: The Fractured But Whole