The Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie, has been advocating for an investigation into Donald Trump’s businesses in Scotland, even if he becomes the next US president. This call for investigation stems from concerns regarding the purchase of land for Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire and the Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire.
Harvie has specifically suggested that the Scottish Government should consider granting an Unexplained Wealth Order to look into Trump’s business dealings. This legal mechanism allows investigations into individuals, like Trump, who are considered “politically exposed persons” and suspected of serious crimes.
Recent developments in the US, such as the New York State Supreme Court finding Trump and his company guilty of civil fraud, have added weight to the argument for an investigation. Trump was convicted on multiple counts of falsifying business records, including inflating the value of his assets, which has raised concerns about the legitimacy of his business practices.
Even with the ongoing US election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Harvie maintains that there is a strong case for Scotland to pursue an investigation into Trump’s assets. Regardless of the election outcome, the need to ensure credibility in addressing criminal business activities in Scotland remains a priority.
Harvie emphasizes that the Unexplained Wealth Order is a necessary tool to hold individuals like Trump accountable, especially given his history of alleged fraudulent activities. He points out that this mechanism was not necessarily designed for cases involving the US, but Trump’s past actions warrant a closer look into the acquisition of his assets in Scotland.
In response to Harvie’s calls for investigation, a Scottish Government spokesperson stated that decisions regarding an Unexplained Wealth Order fall under the jurisdiction of the Civil Recovery Unit. While Harvie has been pushing for urgent action, the government maintains that operational decisions are within the unit’s purview.
On the other hand, Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, has dismissed Harvie’s claims as “pathetic grandstanding.” Malone defends the Trump family’s investments in Scotland, highlighting the positive impact on the economy and local employment. She criticizes Harvie for what she perceives as baseless accusations and anti-Scottish business sentiments.
Overall, the debate surrounding the investigation of Trump’s businesses in Scotland reflects a broader concern for accountability and transparency in business dealings. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the need to address alleged fraudulent activities remains a pressing issue for authorities in Scotland.
