Shock Ashes Mix-Up Sparks Police Crackdown
Police Scotland have swooped on a funeral firm after families received the wrong ashes. The scandal centres on A Milne Funeral Directors, which had branches in Glasgow and Dumbarton. The probe, called Operation Koine, kicked off last April following multiple complaints.
Three Arrested Across the UK
- A 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were nabbed in Flint, Wales.
- A 58-year-old woman was arrested near Glasgow in Bishopbriggs.
Officers are now probing fraud and the mishandling of human ashes tied to the company.
Grim Raid Uncovers Dozens of Ashes
In May 2024, cops raided A Milne’s Springburn office, seizing 19 containers of ashes. Earlier, eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council. Following mounting complaints and distress from families, the National Association of Funeral Directors expelled the company.
Investigation Heats Up With More Victims Expected
Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie called the case “unprecedented.” He praised those who came forward and revealed police have already spoken to more than 70 potential victims — with numbers likely to rise.
Financial investigators have joined the hunt. A victim support clinic is set for 5 December to aid those affected. The three arrested await charges from the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service.
