The scheme was set up to circumvent Thailand’s high levies on supercar imports, which can hit 328%.

A number of tactics were involved in avoiding tax: the supercars were often dismantled and shipped across as parts; customs officials were lied to about the car being imported; and the value of the car was often understated.

A Thai official said that more than 1,000 cars were involved in the tax scam, and had been a long-running practice. An estimated 38 vehicles were stolen from the UK, with a value of £2.3m. The cars stolen included Lamborghinis, Porsches and BMWs.

One dealership owner in Bangkok has sued Thai investigators after cars were seized and their showroom shut down.