Lee Hughes, instructed by and working with Cameron Stubbs of Stephensons LLP, recently secured the restoration of gold coins valued at over £600,000 to their rightful owners following a seizure by Border Force at London Heathrow Airport.
In October 2023, 409 gold coins were seized from a man travelling through customs at London Heathrow. The coins formed part of life savings owned by the man and his wife and were being transported from Switzerland to London. Due to previous movements of gold coins, Border Force officers at the airport became suspicious and seized them.
In December, Border Force wrote to confirm its decision not to restore the coins to the couple. Lee Hughes was instructed to provide a second opinion and advise on the strategic approach to the case, including both condemnation and restoration. Lee prepared thorough written submissions on condemnation and restoration, including a detailed analysis of the rules concerning the importation of gold, and on 5th March 2024 (whilst Lee was on paternity leave), Border Force confirmed that the coins would be returned to the owner. Border Force even confirmed that the goods were “not deemed as seized”, therefore accepting Lee’s submissions that the importation was lawful (rather than simply restoring the goods at their discretion).
Had Border Force maintained their position, the couple could have been forced to initiate lengthy and costly proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court (condemnation proceedings) and or the First Tier Tribunal (restoration proceedings).
The couple are now able to enjoy their retirement funds in full, without the stress of litigation hanging over them.
If you require advice regarding seizures by HMRC or Border Force, or representation in condemnation or restoration proceedings, please contact Lee’s clerk, Ty Price, on 0161 832 5701.