Three people charged over mishandling of remains and funeral plan fraud in Glasgow

Three people have been charged in connection with the mishandling of remains and funeral plan fraud in Glasgow and Dumbarton.

The criminal probe into A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, named Operation Koine, began following allegations of ashes going missing, families being given the wrong remains, and fraudulent prepaid funeral plans being sold in May 2024.

The funeral firm operated in both Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, and the Springburn area of Glasgow.

Forensic teams searched the Balornock Road premises for 11 days after officers raided the business last spring.

At the time, Glasgow City Council confirmed that 19 urns were recovered during the police search days after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.

On Wednesday, North Wales police officers raided a property in Flint where a 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were rearrested.

The funeral home was removed by the National Association for Funeral Directors. STV News

Police also executed at an address in Bishopbriggs where a 58-year-old woman was arrested.

All three have now been charged in connection with the investigation and will be reported to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.

Police Scotland previously confirmed they have received more than 70 reports of mishandled remains and financial misconduct as part of the ongoing “unprecedented” investigation.

Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information on this investigation and members of the public for their continued support.

“Operation Koine is an unprecedented investigation for Police Scotland and I want to reassure the public, our dedicated team have and will continue to work through all lines of enquiry.

“Anyone with additional information or concerns can still come forward and speak to us. We’re also working alongside our partners at Victim Support Scotland to ensure victims are provided specialist assistance.

“A further drop-in clinic, where you can receive information and support, will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025. This is for people who have already been in contact with police around concerns, and information about the session will have been sent to you.”