UK: Scottish transport tycoon Dame Ann Gloag has been charged with human trafficking offences, a charge she strenuously denies.
Dame Ann owns the Kintore House serviced apartments in Edinburgh through a subsidiary of Gloag Investments called Gloag Serviced Apartments. Originally branded as Mode by BridgeStreet, they are now operated by Native. She was also the co-founder of the Stagecoach travel company.
Dame Ann has been charged along with her husband David McCleary and two other members of their family. All four strongly deny the charges against them.
BBC Scotland reported that the 80-year-old co-founder of Stagecoach was charged after voluntarily attending Falkirk police station with Mr McCleary for an interview on Thursday.
A statement issued on behalf of Dame Ann said that she could not comment on the details of an ongoing investigation.
But it added: “Dame Ann Gloag strongly disputes the malicious allegations that have been made against her, her foundation and members of her family.”
It went on to say she would “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.”
Police Scotland confirmed that four people were charged in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking and immigration offences.
A spokesperson said a report would be sent to Scottish prosecutors.
The allegations are believed to relate to people who were brought to Scotland as part of Dame Ann’s charity work with the Gloag Foundation.
A source close to Dame Ann told the BBC that the family were “victims of collusion” and had endured “a Kafkaesque nightmare for the last two years”.
The source added: “Everybody is bewildered by these accusations and the level of this investigation. It is deeply ironic that Dame Ann actually funds an Eastern European charity called the Open Door Foundation whose job it is to stop the trafficking of poor women into sex crimes. She is very attuned to the real dangers that are going on in this world. This is bizarre. We are dealing with technicalities. There are countless people who are stepping forward to support Dame Ann from around the world.”
Sarah Brown, wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, took to Twitter in support of Dame Ann. She said: “Gordon and I have known Ann Gloag for many years through her huge personal commitment to Freedom from Fistula and supporting girls’ health & education. She is a remarkable campaigner and quietly generous charity supporter. These charges just don’t add up.”
Monica Boseff, executive director of the Open Door Foundation, said Dame Ann has “compassion and high moral values”.
The foundation says it works to provide “emergency shelter for victims of any form of human trafficking” and described Dame Ann as a “long time supporter and friend” who provided donations.
