Operation Koine: Police probe over 70 reports of mishandled remains and fraud linked to funeral firm

More than 70 reports of mishandled remains and financial misconduct are being probed by police in an investigation into a former funeral director.

The criminal probe into A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, named Operation Koine, began following allegations of ashes going missing, families being given the wrong remains, and fraudulent prepaid funeral plans being sold in May 2024.

The funeral firm operated in both Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, and the Springburn area of Glasgow.

Forensic teams searched the Balornock Road premises for 11 days after officers raided the business last spring.

At the time, Glasgow City Council confirmed that 19 urns were recovered during the police search days after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.

STV News understands that a number of unclaimed urns remain.

The funeral directors have been accused of financial mismanagement. STV News

A 55-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man were arrested in July 2024. Another woman, aged 37, was arrested a month later.

All three were released pending further investigation.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) later permanently excluded the family-run business from the association.

Detective superintendent Robert Bowie said Operation Koine is “unprecedented” and one of the largest financial investigations being conducted by the force.

He believes there are more victims out there who have not yet come forward.

He told STV News: “Our dedicated enquiry team has been working through hundreds of lines of enquiries alongside specialist financial investigators.

“I do firmly believe there are people out there who don’t have the confidence to come forward or may not be aware.

“I’m appealing for anyone out there who hasn’t come forward or who has any information to please come forward and engage with us.”

Police figures show the vast majority of victims reside within the West Dunbartonshire Council area.

But chiefs said there is a “distinct potential” that more families will be impacted across wider Scotland and possibly beyond.

“We are engaging with our partners and Victim Support Scotland to ensure those families are firmly supported,” DSI Bowie added.

“I am absolutely confident there will be a resolution to this, however I cannot at this stage provide a timescale for when it will be completed.”

Anyone wishing to get in touch with officers is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1289 of May 2, 2024 or use the dedicated email address – Operationkoine@scotland.police.uk.