The Tchenguiz brothers are now suing the Serious Fraud Office for trespass following the dawn raid of their premises in 2011.
The claim from Rotch Property Group, the advisory vehicle of the Tchenguiz Family Trust, is expected to be heard alongside parallel damages claims from both Tchenguiz brothers and their interests over their arrest and release without charge ahead of the MIPIM property conference in March 2011.
Rotch’s claim is not expected to add significantly to the £300m-plus total damages sought by brothers Vincent and Robert, but court papers say that the group is seeking more than £300,000.
According to the writ, Rotch’s claim arises out of the unlawful entry, search and seizures carried out by the SFO on 9 and 10 March 2011 at its premises at Fourth Floor (West), Leconfield House, Curzon Street, W1.
Rotch, of which both Robert (pictured) and Vincent Tchenguiz are directors, claims that the raid was carried out without its consent and without any lawful justification, causing it loss and damage.
It says that significant disruption was caused to its business, and that the resulting damage to its trading reputation led to a significant loss of business, which in turn led to four redundancies that cost it £338,949 in payments to outgoing staff.
Rotch also seeks aggravated and exemplary damages, claiming that the SFO’s conduct was arbitrary, oppressive and unconstitutional.
The trial of all the actions is scheduled to begin on 28 April 2014.
The SFO is defending the claims.
