The case, concerning Robert Gaines-Cooper, is part of a growing attempt by HM Revenue & Customs, the UK tax authority, to clamp down on alleged tax evaders and also demonstrates the risks run by tax exiles who nevertheless keep some links with their home nation.

The report said HMRC collected £373 million ($588 million) from investigations into wealthy taxpayers in the last financial year, a 21 per cent rise on the previous year and a 360 per cent increase over five years, according to new data acquired by the law firm, McGrigors. The firm used powers under the Freedom of Information Act to secure the data.

Phil Berwick, director of tax investigations at McGrigors, said many of the foreign nationals and wealthy UK individuals are investment bankers and hedge fund managers who may have sought to shelter earnings by using tax avoidance schemes.

HMRC set up a High Net Worth Unit in April last year examine the activities of HNW people more closely.