FSS welcomes custodial sentence for convicted Scottish tea fraudster

FSS has welcomed the three-and-a-half-year custodial sentence handed down to Thomas Robinson following his conviction on two counts of fraud totalling nearly £600,000.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation by the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU).

Robinson was found guilty by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court in relation to fraudulent claims that he was growing and supplying premium Scottish tea through his business, The Wee Tea Plantation. In reality, Robinson sourced the tea from wholesalers outside Scotland, while misleading clients and investors with fabricated claims about cultivation techniques, qualifications, and industry awards.

Between 2014 and 2019, Robinson duped luxury hotels, retailers, and a group of genuine Scottish tea growers, causing financial losses totalling £584,738. He falsely sold tea plants under the pretence they were a unique Scottish-grown variety and marketed imported tea as home-grown on his Perthshire estate.

Ron McNaughton, Head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) at FSS, said: “We welcome today’s sentencing as a clear signal that food fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences. A three-and-a-half-year custodial sentence reflects the scale and impact of Mr Robinson’s deception. His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea producers.

“This outcome is the result of a complex and painstaking investigation involving a dedicated team at FSS and the cooperation of partner agencies and key witnesses. It demonstrates that those who set out to mislead consumers and defraud businesses will be held accountable.

“Food fraud undermines consumer trust and damages the integrity of Scotland’s globally respected food and drink sector. We remain committed to detecting and disrupting criminal activity of this nature.”

Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: “This was a planned and deliberate fraud. 

“Thomas Robinson misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants he falsely claimed were a unique, locally grown variety. 

“Fraud is not a victimless crime. Individuals, businesses, and genuine Scottish tea growers suffered financial and reputational harm as a consequence of Robinson’s deceit. 

“But thanks to partnership working between Food Standards Scotland, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, he has been brought to account for his crimes. 

“We are committed to tackling financial crime of this kind.”  

This case highlights the importance of continued vigilance around food authenticity and the need for robust action to protect the integrity of Scotland’s food supply chain.

• Food Standards Scotland encourages anyone with concerns about suspected food crime to report it confidentially. Reports can be made anonymously via the Scottish Food Crime Hotline, operated in partnership with Crimestoppers, on 0800 028 7926 or by emailing foodcrime@fss.scot.