The multimillionaire founder of a Scottish charitable foundation that funds projects in Africa has denied allegations of human trafficking offences after being charged last week.
Dame Ann Gloag, who was made a dame in 2019 for services to charity and business, has strongly contested the charges, with a spokesperson for her charity calling the allegations “malicious”.
The Perth-based Gloag Foundation, which supports projects that relieve or prevent poverty in Africa, was set up in 2004 by Gloag, who is also the co-founder of transport company Stagecoach.
Gloag’s charity also promotes the Christian faith and supports projects she founded including Freedom from Fistula and Kenya Children’s Homes.
The Scottish charity regulator, OSCR, told Civil Society News it is aware of the media reports regarding the Gloag Foundation and has been in touch with the charity.
Gloag Foundation: ‘Malicious allegations’
The Gloag Foundation states on its website: “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.”
The foundation’s latest filed annual accounts for December 2021 show an income of over £725,000 and expenditure of £1.2m.
Police Scotland told Civil Society News: “On 19 January, 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.”
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