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NLJ this week: Greed but no fraud in £1.4bn SKAT case

14 November 2025
Issue: 8139 / Categories: Legal News , Tax , Fraud , Commercial
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In this week's issue of NLJ, Yasseen Gailani and Alexander Martin of Quinn Emanuel report on the High Court’s decision in Skatteforvaltningen (SKAT) v Solo Capital Partners LLP & Ors [2025], where Denmark’s tax authority failed to recover £1.4bn in disputed dividend tax refunds

Mr Justice Andrew Baker ruled that although the defendants acted with 'substantial greed' and 'pervasive dishonesty', SKAT could not prove fraud because it hadn’t relied on the alleged misrepresentations.

The judge criticised SKAT’s 'flimsy' review systems and noted its clerical approach meant no inducement occurred. The court confirmed the refund claims were invalid, but not deceitful, since participants didn’t knowingly mislead SKAT.

Gailani and Martin highlight that the ruling underscores the high evidential bar for proving fraud—even against sophisticated traders—and offers rare judicial guidance on 'systemic reliance' in complex financial litigation.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

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