Probe leads to conviction of Scottish tea fraudster

The Herald Scotland

5 days ago

The investigation by FSS uncovered that Robinson's misrepresentations led to financial losses totalling £584,738 for his clients.
Robinson, also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, was found guilty by jury at Falkirk Sherriff Court following an extensive investigation by FSS. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Between January 2014 and February 2019, Robinson operated under the business name "The Wee Tea Plantation", asserting that he cultivated Camellia Sinensis tea plants at his Perthshire estate.
He marketed this tea as authentically Scottish-grown and sold to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector, but in reality, the tea was sourced from wholesalers outside Scotland.
Robinson further bolstered his fraudulent claims by alleging he had developed innovative techniques for cultivating tea in Scotland's climate. He also fabricated academic qualifications and industry awards to lend credibility to his story.
Ron McNaughton, Head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) at FSS, commented: "This was a highly complex and protracted investigation which required a significant amount of time, expertise and coordination across our team and with partner agencies. Fraud of this nature is often difficult to detect and even harder to prove, but we were determined to pursue every line of enquiry to build the strongest possible case.
'This was not a victimless crime — individuals, businesses, and an emerging sector of genuine Scottish tea growers suffered real financial and reputational harm as a result of deliberate deception. I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation; their cooperation was essential to achieving this outcome.
'It's a strong example of how partnership working and the dedication and skill of our investigative teams make it increasingly difficult for those committing food fraud to go undetected. We remain committed to protecting Scotland's food and drink sector from criminal activity and maintaining consumer trust."