Police hand report to prosecutors over Stagecoach owner Ann Gloag trafficking allegations

Police investigating Stagecoach founder Dame Ann Gloag and others in connection with an investigation into human trafficking allegations have submitted a report to prosecutors.

Police Scotland confirmed in January that four people had been charged following an investigation into alleged human trafficking and immigration offences.

At the time, a spokesperson for Dame Ann said she “strongly disputes the malicious allegations” made against her, her foundation and members of her family.

They said the 80-year-old would “vigorously defend herself to protect her legacy”.

The force said on Wednesday that a report has now been sent to prosecutors.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Thursday, January 19, 2023, four individuals were charged in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking and immigration offences.

“A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”

The Crown Office confirmed it has received a report from police.

A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal spokesman said: “Careful consideration is given to any reports of alleged criminal conduct which are submitted by the police, or any other specialist reporting agency, to the procurator fiscal.

“Criminal proceedings will be raised if such reports contain sufficient evidence and if it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so.”

In January, a spokesperson for Dame Ann said: “Whilst we cannot comment on the details of an ongoing investigation, Dame Ann Gloag strongly disputes the malicious allegations that have been made against her, her foundation and members of her family, and will vigorously defend herself and the work of her foundation to protect her legacy and continue her work helping thousands of people in the UK and abroad every year.”

A spokeswoman for Dame Ann declined to comment on the latest development.

Dame Ann, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Year Honours list, is one of Scotland’s richest women after starting the Stagecoach Group in 1980 alongside with her brother.

The company is the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, and is now managed by DWS Infrastructure.

The Gloag Foundation is a charitable trust set up by Dame Ann, which works to support projects that “prevent or relieve poverty and encourage the advancement of education, health and religion in the UK and overseas”, according to its website.