Funeral directors investigated over allegations of missing ashes and fraud

"Police have received reports from more than 70 people as investigations continue into allegations of missing ashes and funeral plan fraud at former funeral directors. Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie said: This is an unprecedented investigation for Police Scotland and one of the largest ongoing financial inquiries. I want to reassure the public, we have a dedicated team working through hundreds of lines of inquiry. Although the work we're doing may not be visible, we are committed to fully investigating."

"In terms of some of the cremated remains which had been recovered at previous premises used by A Milne independent funeral directors, we have been able to return the vast majority of those cremated remains to family members or deal with them in terms of their family's wishes. As it stands, there is still a small amount of cremated remains which remain unclaimed and unidentified, and that's what we're looking to achieve through traditional lines of inquiry."

"Police said they are working through hundreds of lines of inquiry as part of the investigation into the alleged mishandling of cremated remains and fraud. Two women, aged 37 and 55, and a 56-year-old man were arrested in connection with the inquiry and released pending further inquiries. Police said they have received reports from more than 70 people, but believe a larger number may be affected and urged anyone in that position to contact them."

Operation Koine was launched in April following reports about practices at A Milne Independent Funeral Directors in Glasgow and Dumbarton. Police Scotland is working through hundreds of lines of inquiry into alleged mishandling of cremated remains and fraud related to prepaid funeral plans. More than 70 people have reported concerns, but authorities believe more may be affected and have urged anyone impacted to come forward. Two women, aged 37 and 55, and a 56-year-old man were arrested and released pending further inquiries. Most recovered cremated remains have been returned to families; a small amount remain unclaimed and unidentified. Specialist officers, including financial investigators, are involved.

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