Former Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne launched his business in 1996
A finance director for companies owned by Duncan Bannatyne has been charged with £8m fraud and money laundering.
Christopher Watson, 45, has been charged in relation to allegations concerning electronic transfers from the company accounts to his personal accounts and those of his businesses.
"These sums of money were allegedly used to gamble, settle personal debts and to buy and renovate properties," the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Mr Watson was arrested last year.
He will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on 24 June.
The Bannatyne Group, which is based in Darlington, County Durham, was set up by the celebrity entrepreneur in 1996 and runs health clubs and hotels across the country.
In December, Graham Armstrong, 43, former chief executive and managing director at the company, was arrested on suspicion of fraud and bailed.
