Missing ashes: 70 people contact police in funeral fraud probe

Missing ashes: 70 people contact police in funeral fraud probe

Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the investigation into missing cremated remains at A Milne Funeral Directors, which operates in Glasgow and Dumbarton. The probe focuses on allegations of fraud and improper handling of ashes. Two of the suspects, a 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, were taken into custody in Flint, Wales, while a 58-year-old woman was apprehended near Glasgow in Bishopbriggs.

Operation Koine, initiated by Police Scotland in April of the previous year, was launched following reports from several families who discovered they had been given incorrect ashes. Over 70 complaints have been received regarding the funeral home, but police suspect that many more individuals may have been affected by the issue. In a raid conducted in May 2024 at the company’s Springburn office, officers recovered 19 containers of ashes. This action came shortly after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council. Subsequently, the National Association of Funeral Directors expelled the firm.

Most grievances pertain to prepaid funeral plans that allegedly involved fraudulent activities. Families affected by the scandal spoke to BBC Scotland News, describing the distress of finding out that the ashes they had received did not belong to their deceased relatives but to unknown individuals. The investigation features the involvement of specialist officers, including those from the Financial Investigations Unit, to scrutinize all aspects of the case.

Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie of Police Scotland emphasized that the inquiry remains ongoing, describing it as an “unprecedented investigation.” He expressed gratitude towards the public and those who have come forward with information. A victim support drop-in clinic is scheduled for December 5, aimed at individuals who have already voiced their concerns to the police about the funeral directors. The arrested individuals will be formally reported to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service

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