TWO people from north Wales are among three suspects charged as part of a major cross-border criminal investigation into alleged fraud and the mishandling of cremated remains at a scandal-hit undertakers in Scotland.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers working on Operation Koine – a long-running inquiry into A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors in Glasgow and Dumbarton – carried out coordinated raids yesterday (Nov 19), including one in Flint, north Wales. The investigation was launched last year after families reported missing ashes, being given the wrong remains, and concerns over prepaid funeral plan payments.

A 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were rearrested at the Flint address with the support of North Wales Police. A second 58-year-old woman was arrested on the same day in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. All three have now been charged and will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Unprecedented investigation

Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie, who is leading the inquiry for Police Scotland, described Operation Koine as “unprecedented”, both in scale and in the sensitivity required when dealing with families who believed their loved ones’ remains had been mishandled.

“For more than a year we have worked meticulously through every line of enquiry,” he said. “I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information and the public for their continued support. This investigation is significant, and our dedicated team continues to work closely with partner agencies to ensure victims receive the right support.”

Specialist officers have already spoken to more than 200 witnesses, with teams from Police Scotland’s financial investigation unit scrutinising bank records and funeral plan documents for evidence of fraud. Earlier searches at the company’s premises in Springburn lasted 11 days, during which 19 urns were recovered.

By September, investigators had identified around 70 funerals where arrangements had been affected. Police believe the number of families impacted could still rise.

Wales link

Officers confirmed the arrests in Flint were part of a coordinated effort to trace all individuals connected to the business’s operations and financial affairs. The case has prompted strong interest in north Wales, where families have historically used funeral firms across the border.

Police Scotland said it had “engaged with other forces across the UK to identify and implement best practice”, acknowledging the highly sensitive nature of the allegations.

A further support session for affected families will take place on Friday, December 5, for people already in contact with officers.

Families left without answers

Some families affected by the scandal have described the emotional toll of discovering their relatives’ ashes may have been mishandled.

Klair Sloss, who arranged her uncle’s funeral through A. Milne last year, said the scale of the probe suggests “closure may be impossible for some people”.

“To hear there are so many victims isn’t a surprise, but it does make me sad,” she said. “The only thing that will help families now is justice, and I hope the legal process doesn’t drag on.”

Another family, from Glasgow, previously told how they had scattered what they believed were a loved one’s ashes, only to later be informed the remains belonged to someone else.

Appeal for information

Detective Superintendent Bowie urged anyone with concerns about cremated remains or prepaid funeral plans linked to A. Milne to contact officers.

“The vast majority of ashes have now been reunited with families,” he said, “but we remain keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have been affected.”

Police Scotland said further updates will follow “in due course” as the case progresses toward the Procurator Fiscal.