A Stagecoach tycoon worth a joint £730million with her brother has been charged with human trafficking offences.
Dame Ann Gloag is a Scottish multimillionaire who is known for running one of the UK's leading public transport providers, as well as for her activism and charity campaigning.
But this week it was confirmed that the 80-year-old was arrested alongside three others, who haven't been named, as part of a human trafficking investigation.
A spokesperson for Scotland Police told The Mirror last night (20 January): "On January 19, 2023, four individuals were charged in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking and immigration offences.
"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
The Gloag Foundation, a charity set up by Gloag which supports projects that aim to 'prevent or relieve poverty' and encourage 'education, health and religion' in the UK and overseas, has also released a statement.
It says: "Allegations against Dame Ann Gloag have appeared in the media.
"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.
"Beyond this, Dame Ann and the Gloag Foundation will not falter in continuing their charitable work, helping thousands of women and children in the UK and abroad."
A spokesperson for the tycoon, who is one of Scotland's richest women, shared a similar statement with the Mirror.
They 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."
According to The Sunday Times Rich List published in 2020, Gloag and her brother, Sir Brian Souter, are worth a joint £730million.
The Home Office told the outlet that the investigation is being led by the National Human Trafficking Investigation Unit at the Scottish Crime Campus.
A government spokesperson said: "We have laws in place across the UK to tackle modern slavery and our law enforcement partners are working closely with counterparts overseas, including from Kenya, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
LADbible has contacted Scotland Police and a rep for Dame Gloag for comment.
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Daisy Phillipson