The DTI's report into Robert Maxwell's business empire, now expected to be published on Friday, will focus its criticism on his son Kevin.

Kevin and Ian Maxwell were acquitted of any criminal responsibility in two fraud trials in 1996 but the DTI report will conclude: "In view of the acquittals in the criminal proceedings we decided we would proceed in a manner which did not and would not be seen to call the acquittals into question. Nonetheless, conduct can be blameworthy without being criminal."

The report will also allocate "substantial responsibility" to the investment bank Goldman Sachs for Maxwell's manipulation of the stock market through illicit purchases of MGN shares.