Freddie Foreman, a notorious figure in London’s criminal underworld and a close associate of the infamous Kray twins, has died at the age of 94. Foreman passed away at a care home in West London following a short illness, with his eldest son Greg at his side. He is also survived by his son Jamie, known for his acting roles, and daughter Danielle.
Born on March 5, 1932, and raised in Battersea, South London, Foreman was the youngest of five brothers. He entered the criminal world early, appearing at the Old Bailey at age 16 on affray charges. Over the years, Foreman became known by several nicknames, including “Brown Bread Fred,” “The Guv’nor,” “The Undertaker,” and “Mean Machine,” reflecting his reputation as an enforcer, body disposer, and armed robber.
Foreman rose to prominence as a trusted associate of the Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, working as their enforcer and “fixer.” He played a key role in some of the most violent episodes connected to the gangland activity in London during the 1960s. Foreman admitted to involvement in the murders of Tommy “Ginger” Marks and Frank “The Mad Axeman” Mitchell, both victims whose bodies were never recovered. Marks was shot in 1965, and Mitchell, who had been sprung from prison by the Krays, was killed the following year after becoming a liability. Foreman also participated in the 1967 killing of Jack “The Hat” McVitie, for which he was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison; McVitie’s body was reportedly disposed of at sea with Foreman's involvement.
In addition to his role in the London crime scene, Foreman had connections to the 1963 Great Train Robbery, a heist that netted more than £2.6 million at the time. He maintained relationships with members of the train robbery gang and was linked to efforts to expose suspected police corruption related to the crime. Several years later, Foreman was involved in the 1983 armed robbery of the Security Express depot in East London, an incident that included threats made against guards. Following the robbery, Foreman moved to Spain with other suspects to avoid prosecution. However, he was arrested in Marbella in 1990 and extradited to the UK, where he received a nine-year sentence for handling proceeds of the crime. He was released in 1995.
After his release, Foreman transitioned into legitimate business ventures, including running a pub in London with his son Greg, which he later sold to film director Guy Ritchie. He also authored eight books and served as a consultant for the 2015 film “Legend,” which dramatized the lives of the Kray twins.
Foreman’s reflections on his criminal past were marked by regret. In interviews during his later years living in Spain, he described crime as “a mug’s game” that cost him valuable time with his family, including 16 birthdays and Christmases spent in prison. Despite his violent history, those who knew him described Foreman as a complex figure—both feared and respected in the underworld—but also an “old-fashioned gentleman.” Friends and acquaintances, including the son of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs, praised Foreman for his loyalty and support during difficult times, including arranging travel and communication for Ronnie Biggs following his prison escape.
Foreman’s life story, emblematic of London’s mid-20th century gangster era, concluded quietly after decades of infamy, reflection, and occasional notoriety.