The warrants had been used to seize documents and computer files from the homes and offices of the Tchenguizs in what has become a highly controversial case.

Heavily criticised

The SFO’s conduct – pursuing its largest case in almost 10 years – was heavily criticised by two of Britain’s most senior judges in a lengthy review, according to The Guardian newspaper. The office had already dropped Vincent as a suspect after conceding its suspicions were based on errors, but it pushed ahead with the inquiry against Robert despite warnings from the court.
Sir John Thomas and Mr Justice Silber said the judge who granted the order was ‘given an account that was not only wholly inadequate, but unfair’.
Robert Tchenguiz said he and his family had ‘suffered enormous damage, not least to my reputation’. He added that he intends to seek damages against the SFO for his arrest last year.