UK collection society PPL is under police investigation for suspected embezzlement following the discovery of suspicious activity on multiple member accounts. One staff member has been dismissed following an internal investigation earlier this year.

The suspected fraud, currently under investigation by The Metropolitan Police, allegedly involved individuals posing as unregistered recording artists to fraudulently claim royalties. The scheme was uncovered when legitimate artists attempted to register as PPL members.

The fraudulent activities are believed to have occurred between 2016 and 2023, with illegal transactions totaling approximately £500,000 ($625,000). PPL has declined to comment while the criminal investigation is ongoing.

PPL, the second-largest collecting society in the UK, manages music licensing for labels and artists, working with radio, television, and commercial establishments. With over 110 international agreements, including partnerships with SoundExchange and AARC, the organization collected £285 million ($356 million) in 2023, its highest annual revenue to date.

The organization recently reported a quarterly distribution of £45.3 million ($57.5 million), showing a slight decrease from the previous year. PPL has confirmed they are working directly with affected members to rectify their accounts.

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