Begbies Traynor was appointed as administrator for the company on 26 June this year.

Begbies Traynor's David Hudson, who is acting on the administration, confirmed to PrintWeek that it was seeking an order from the High Court for former Capital director David Gill and his family to return funds to the business to the tune of £1.6m.

He said: "We are pursuing claims against David Gill and eight members of his family.

"In the meantime a freezing order against the Gills has been taken out. We are seeking the return of funds for the benefit of the creditors."

Hudson added that the £1.6m figure was based on initial findings of the administrator's investigation, but he said that it could increase.

Hudson added that the Gills' assets will remain frozen until a court action is finalised.

Since the London-based company went into administration, confusion has surrounded the business with former employees and creditors claiming that Gill told them the company was struggling due to money owed by the London Development Agency – a claim that the LDA has vehemently denied.

David Gill could not be reached for comment.