BBC The Apprentice winner 'unaware' of licence breach after investment deal

The latest winner on was "not aware of any ongoing Environment Agency investigation". Last week, Dean Franklin secured an investment with Sir Alan Sugar after beating Anisa Khan in the gripping BBC final. The 35-year-old is reportedly at "the centre of a rogue trader probe" for failing to issue an F-gas certificate for his air-conditioning business for a 17-month period. According to , the publication said that Dean could be slapped with a massive fine as the certificate is required to ensure fluorinated gases used in air-conditioning units are handled properly. Dean was handed a £250,000 investment deal with Lord Sugar at the end of the final.

Express Online has contacted the BBC for comment.

According to The Sun, Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke said: "This is an embarrassment for the BBC. Their reality shows seem to be lacking in carrying out due diligence, leaving them open to scandal after scandal."

Millions watched as Dean triumphed in the final task and won over the tycoon and industry experts with his pitch, for which the finalists were helped by their fired former competitors.

Speaking after his victory, he said, "I can't believe I've just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon."

In the final boardroom, Sir Alan Sugar made the final decision and told the finalists, "This is the way I see it. Dean, through the
process, you've been quite good. There've been a few rocky moments where you remained in it by the skin of your teeth, but do I have the confidence in the residential market? As opposed to food, where everyone's got to eat, and a £10, £12 pizza is affordable to most people. That's where I am at the moment."

"Given it deep consideration. I'm going to say that, Dean, you're going to be my business partner."

The Apprentice can be caught up on BBC iPlayer.