The Scottish Green Party has renewed its call for an investigation into Donald Trump’s business interests in Scotland, specifically his golf courses in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire. This request follows a significant civil fraud ruling against the former US President in a New York court earlier this year.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling found Trump and his company guilty of providing false information to bankers and insurers regarding their asset values from 2011 to 2021. This led to a substantial fine of $355 million, plus over $110 million in interest. Despite Trump’s appeal and posting a bond of $175 million, there is increasing pressure for further examination of his financial affairs.
Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie has written to Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, and lord advocate Dorothy Bain, urging them to reconsider the request for an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) against Trump. The UWO would allow law enforcement to probe and potentially seize assets that are deemed unexplained or disproportionate to the individual’s known income.
Harvie emphasized the urgency of the matter, stressing the need to uncover the truth about Trump’s finances. He cited the recent court ruling in New York as evidence of the urgent need for a thorough investigation. He argued that Scotland should not provide a safe haven for individuals with wealth to acquire land and property without being held accountable.
The Scottish government, however, maintains that the decision to pursue a UWO lies with the Civil Recovery Unit and is considered an operational matter. This unit is responsible for applying to the Court of Session for an Unexplained Wealth Order and has not provided any confirmation or denial regarding the commencement of such an investigation.
An Unexplained Wealth Order is an investigative tool aiming to uncover the origins of an individual’s wealth when it appears disproportionate to their known income. It was introduced under the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and has gained traction as a means to crack down on money laundering and illicit financial activities.
The push to investigate Trump’s Scottish business assets comes amidst heightened scrutiny of individuals suspected of engaging in corrupt and illegal financial practices, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the UK government’s efforts to combat Russian money laundering.
While the outcome of the renewed calls for investigation remains uncertain, the Scottish Green Party’s efforts reflect a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the realm of international business and finance. As the saga unfolds, it is evident that the spotlight on Donald Trump’s financial dealings shows no sign of dimming anytime soon.