UK

UK government endorses 'Ghost Tube' project in crackdown on dirty money

Published

1 year ago

May 28, 2025

In a bold move against illicit finance, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed support for Ajit Chambers (pictured) and his 'Ghost Tube' initiative — a visionary redevelopment project turning disused London Underground stations into national assets.

At the centre of this growing controversy is Brompton Road, a former Ministry of Defence site and one of 26 "ghost" stations originally identified for regeneration by Chambers. Despite formal opposition from senior UK officials, the station was sold to Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash — a known associate of Russian interests — for £50 million.

The sale is now the subject of a £109 million legal claim against Transport for London (TfL), alleging violations of procurement protocols and the misuse of public assets. Chambers, who first pitched his £200 million tourism-led redevelopment plan at 10 Downing Street, has been instrumental in bringing forward documentation that has since triggered a wider investigation by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

Firtash, who was arrested in Austria and later released on a £100 million bail, faces extradition to the United States on charges of international bribery and corruption. His acquisition of the Brompton Road station has now become a symbol of how UK assets may have been compromised through suspect financial channels.

“This is about more than a property sale — it’s about ensuring public assets are protected from criminal abuse,” said Chambers. “We owe it to the British public to shine a light on these transactions and bring transparency to the system.”

As the case develops, government sources have indicated that Chambers may be re-engaged by Downing Street to help identify additional TfL properties that may have been sold under questionable circumstances.

Background

The Ghost Tube Project

Founded by Ajit Chambers to transform London’s abandoned Tube stations into tourism, cultural, and community hubs.

Formally proposed at No.10 Downing Street with the support of industry experts and civil servants.
Identified over 26 disused stations as candidates for legal and economic regeneration.

The Brompton Road Controversy

Former MoD-owned station sold to Dmytro Firtash despite objections from senior officials including Lord Arbuthnot.

Sale now central to a £109 million legal action alleging fraudulent procurement and misuse of criminal proceeds.
Triggered investigations by the Serious Fraud Office and City of London Police.

Ajit Chambers is a British entrepreneur, public speaker, and former Barclays Capital banker. Known for his civic innovation and commitment to ethical regeneration, Chambers founded the Ghost Tube Project to revitalise public assets and challenge opaque government practices. He remains a leading voice on transparency in the public sector.