Three people have been charged in connection with an unprecedented investigation into the alleged mishandling of human ashes and funeral plan fraud at A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, a company formerly operating in Glasgow and Dumbarton. The charges, brought by Police Scotland and announced on November 20, 2025, follow a lengthy and complex inquiry that has shaken the communities affected and raised troubling questions about trust and accountability in the funeral industry.
The investigation, known as Operation Koine, was launched in April 2024 after multiple families reported distressing incidents involving missing or misidentified ashes and suspicions of financial misconduct. According to BBC News, the catalyst for the probe was a series of complaints from bereaved families who discovered they had received the wrong ashes after cremation. The police soon realized the scale of the issue was far wider than initially feared.
Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie of Police Scotland, who is leading the inquiry, described it as "an unprecedented investigation for Police Scotland." He explained, "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."
On November 19, 2025, the investigation reached a critical point. Officers from Operation Koine, supported by colleagues from North Wales Police, executed search warrants at an address in the Flint area of Wales. During the operation, a 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were rearrested in Flint, while a 58-year-old woman was arrested in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. Police Scotland confirmed that all three individuals have now been charged in connection with the investigation and will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
The scale of the alleged wrongdoing is considerable. By September 2025, Police Scotland had received complaints from more than 70 people, though investigators believe the actual number of affected families may be even higher. In May 2024, officers conducted a search of A Milne's Springburn office in Glasgow, recovering 19 containers with ashes only days after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council. The firm was subsequently expelled from the National Association of Funeral Directors—a rare and telling measure, as reported by Sky News.
Specialist officers from the Financial Investigations Unit have been involved throughout the inquiry, poring over bank records and other financial documents to identify further victims of alleged funeral plan fraud. According to Detective Superintendent Bowie, "We have spoken to more than 200 witnesses so far. We anticipate speaking to many more. This is an unprecedented investigation for Police Scotland, not just due to the size, but the sensitive nature of an inquiry and that’s why we’ve engaged with other forces elsewhere in the UK to identify and implement best practice."
For families who entrusted their loved ones' remains to A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, the revelations have been devastating. Many learned that the ashes they received may not have belonged to their relatives at all. According to BBC Scotland News, the majority of complaints relate to alleged fraudulent prepaid funeral plans, adding financial injury to emotional distress. Victims like Klair Sloss, who arranged her uncle’s funeral through the company, have spoken out about the pain and uncertainty. Sloss told North Wales Live, "To hear there are so many victims isn’t a surprise but it does make me sad because there may not be any closure for some people. I hope the legal process does not drag on and on because the only thing that will help families from this point on is justice."
Police Scotland and Victim Support Scotland have worked closely to provide assistance to those affected. A dedicated helpline (0800 160 1985) and a webchat service (victimsupport.scot) are available, and a special drop-in clinic for people already in contact with police will be held on December 5, 2025. This clinic aims to offer further information and emotional support to those grappling with the fallout from the scandal.
Detective Superintendent Bowie has repeatedly encouraged anyone with additional information or concerns to come forward. "Anyone wishing to get in touch with officers is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1289 of 2 May, 2024 or email [email protected]," he stated. The ongoing appeal reflects the belief that more victims may yet be identified as the investigation continues.
The case has also prompted broader discussions about oversight and regulation within the funeral industry. The expulsion of A Milne Independent Funeral Directors from the National Association of Funeral Directors underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for robust safeguards to prevent future abuses. While most funeral directors operate with care and integrity, this case has exposed vulnerabilities in the system that can be exploited, with tragic consequences for grieving families.
For Police Scotland, Operation Koine represents not only a logistical challenge but a moral imperative. The force has described the investigation as one of the most sensitive and complex in its history, involving the careful handling of both human remains and the trust placed by families in funeral professionals. The involvement of specialist financial investigators and collaboration with other UK police forces highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.
As the legal process moves forward, the focus remains on delivering justice and closure for those affected. The three individuals charged will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and the outcome of any future court proceedings will be closely watched by the public and the industry alike.
In the meantime, the investigation continues. Police Scotland is urging anyone who suspects they may have been affected, or who has information relevant to the inquiry, to reach out. As Detective Superintendent Bowie emphasized, "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."
For the families at the heart of the scandal, the hope is that the truth will finally come to light and that lessons learned from this painful chapter will lead to greater protections for others in the future.
