Top city detectives have teamed up with other UK forces to get to the bottom of an elaborate funeral plan scam.
Police Scotland is ramping up its investigation into the mishandling of cremated remains and fraud at the former A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, based in Balornock, North Glasgow and Dumbarton.
The extensive probe, entitled Operation Koine, was launched in April last year and has resulted in more than 70 victims coming forward to date.
What happened at A Milne Independent Funeral Directors?
Some people have paid for their funerals in advance, which police say are unlikely to be honoured, and some were handed ashes that did not belong to their loved ones.
Now, Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie, strategic senior investigator, is encouraging anyone who has "even a small inkling" that they may also be affected to get in touch.
He said: "There will be no stones unturned. We have a dedicated inquiry team working on hundreds of lines of inquiries, alongside specialist financial investigators.
"So far, we've identified in excess of 70 separate concern reports relating specifically to this former funeral director.
"But I firmly believe that those numbers are underrepresented and people have not yet come forward.
"So, it's my appeal that anybody who has any concerns relating specifically to A Milne Independent Funeral Directors, please come forward."
Det Supt Bowie explained that financial investigators and other unique services are supporting the inquiry by reviewing banking data and identifying further victims.
He added: "Over and above that, we are linking in with other UK forces to identify and implement similar good practice in terms of similar investigations which have occurred elsewhere."
We previously reported that two women, aged 37 and 55 as well as a 56-year-old man, were arrested in connection with the enquiries.
About this update, he said: "And as much as they have been arrested and released, that does not in any way, shape or form infer there is insufficient evidence at this moment in time."
What should I do if I think I may be affected?
The firm, which was set up 2016, was officially struck off on November 5, 2024, however Police Scotland was not able to confirm when the crimes took place.
Therefore any client of the company is urged to check in with the force.
Det Supt Bowie emphasised: "Come and speak to us if you have any lingering doubts or concerns.
"Contact us via our operation client e-mail address or utilise 101 so that we can get in touch to provide you with some form of reassurance."
Victim Support also offers help to those who are concerned that they may be affected.
Debbie Adams, director of external affairs and development, said: "This is a really difficult time for people. Even if not now, maybe later on.
"We are here and doing everything we can to support people. We have a helpline available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 4am on the weekends.
"We provide emotional support and practical advice.
"If you come and speak to us, you're not tied in forever.
"One conversation might be all you need but it's probably worth coming forward and telling us how you feel and whether there is any information you need that we can help you get."
What do we know so far?
This is an ongoing investigation, so officers remain tight-lipped about the specifics of this case.
Operation Koine was launched in April 2024, following reports of missing ashes.
Forensics were seen at the firm's Dumbarton branch during an 11-day police sweep in May of the same year, during which 19 urns were recovered and eight more were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.
This came after several families reported allegations of ashes going missing and financial misconduct.
Three people were arrested and taken into custody between July and August 2024 but were released pending further investigation.
A Milne Funeral Directors described itself as “an independent, family-owned and operated organisation”.
The director, Steve Milne, was born in 1967 and took up the position in January 2023, the same month that ex-director Ashleigh Milne, born in 1987, ceased to be in the role, according to Companies House.
