Charges Against Scottish Tycoon Dame Ann Gloag Dropped

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in Scotland have announced that charges of human trafficking against Dame Ann Gloag, a prominent Scottish businesswoman and philanthropist, have been dropped. The 81-year-old co-founder of Stagecoach was accused alongside her husband, David McCleary, and two other family members. All of the accused had consistently denied the allegations.

The COPFS stated, “After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence, independent Crown Counsel instructed that there should be no proceedings taken at this time.” The office added that it reserves the right to resume proceedings if future evidence emerges and it is deemed to be in the public interest.

Dame Ann expressed relief at the decision, describing the allegations as “malicious” and a “devastating threat” to her legacy. Her spokesperson commented on the matter, noting the “waste of public funds and police time” and indicating that the charges have raised significant concerns.

The accusations related to individuals brought to Scotland as part of Dame Ann’s charitable initiatives through the Gloag Foundation. Established by Dame Ann, the foundation focuses on alleviating poverty and advancing education, health, and religion in the UK and abroad.

A source close to Dame Ann characterized the situation as “a Kafkaesque nightmare” and the “biggest stitch-up of all time.” The source emphasized the detrimental impact on her charitable efforts, which have historically targeted aid to impoverished communities worldwide.

Dame Ann Gloag, who founded Stagecoach Group in 1980 with her brother Sir Brian Souter, has been recognized for her contributions to business and philanthropy. Stagecoach has become the UK’s largest bus and coach operator under their leadership and is now managed by DWS Infrastructure.

The outcome has sparked critical discourse regarding the handling of the case, with supporters, including Sarah Brown, the spouse of former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, standing firmly by Dame Ann during the proceedings.