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London restaurateur disqualified for seven years for immigration and tax offences (13 July 2017)

Date: 13/07/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, London restaurateur disqualified for seven years for immigration and tax offences

The director of eight Chinese restaurants operating across London has been disqualified from acting as a director for seven years, after he was found to be employing illegal workers and also failed to pay taxes due to HMRC.

On the second day of his disqualification trial, the director of Mandarin Kitchen Limited, 28-year-old Yingji Li, gave an undertaking to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, which prevents him from becoming directly or indirectly involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company for seven years from 30 June 2017.

Mandarin Kitchen was incorporated on 27 February 2013 and operated eight restaurants in London. Its registered office was 88 Kingsway in Holborn, London WC2.

Mandarin Kitchen Limited went into liquidation on 22 April 2014, owing £394,267 to creditors.

Li was the sole formally appointed director between 27 February 2013 and liquidation.

An Insolvency Service investigation concluded that Li caused Mandarin to employ two illegal workers – and also caused the company to fail to submit returns or payments to HMRC in respect of VAT, PAYE and NIC, with at least £191,748 being owed to HMRC at the date of liquidation.

Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, Robert Clarke, said:

“The Insolvency Service will work with other government agencies to take robust action against company directors who fail to comply with the law.

“In this case, Mr Li disregarded both immigration and taxation legislation and has therefore been disqualified for a significant period.

“He will also have to meet the legal costs of the proceedings against him.”


A disqualification order has the effect that without specific permission of a court, a person with a disqualification cannot act as a director of a company; take part, directly or indirectly, in the promotion, formation or management of a company or limited liability partnership; or be a receiver of a company’s property.

Employers also have a legal duty to check the immigration status of those they employee – and can be fined up to £10,000 for each worker they employ in breach of immigration rules.

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There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities, including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

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For expert legal advice on UK business immigration or UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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