David Ingram, a partner in the insolvency and proceeds of crime team and a licensed insolvency practitioner at Grant Thornton was travelling through Dubai on a connecting flight when he was detained two months ago and has since been unable to leave the jurisdiction.

A spokesperson for Grant Thornton UK LLP said: ‘David Ingram has been detained in the United Arab Emirates as a result of a complaint made there by a defendant in UK criminal proceedings. David has not been charged, nor has he been imprisoned.

‘The complaint arises in the context of those UK proceedings in which Mr Ingram acts as the court appointed receiver and as an officer of the court. Mr Ingram vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

‘Grant Thornton are supporting David and his family throughout this time and remain in regular and close contact with him. Given the current status of the investigation in the UAE and the reporting restrictions in the UK which apply, it is neither appropriate nor possible to comment any further at present.’

By Sara White