The appeal at the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) related to numerous claims for input tax refunds totalling £792,310, which were refused by HMRC as they suspected fraud under Fini principles.

The claims related to sales of clothing to companies in Spain and Portugal, many based on cash sales, and some questionable invoices and faked shipment documents.

The appellants were Rich Couture Limited, Rich Luxe Limited and Saisco Limited, and a fourth company, Ideal Silks Limited, which was part of the original list of appellants, but had its minor claim allowed. The companies are all based in London, but do not have websites, and are now facing strike off action.