James Campbell and Edward Bruce, former director and transport manager of West of Scotland Heavy Haulage respectively, have reportedly denied accusations that they altered police paperwork to overcharge for wind turbine transports.
According to the Daily Record, Bruce and Campbell appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Tuesday in connection with the allegations.
It is alleged that the two men edited paperwork related to police escort services in Scotland and Wales, and then used the amended paperwork to overcharge companies in Spain and Denmark for the transport of wind turbine components.
Navarra-based Siemens Gamesa are said to be one of the companies who lost out due to the alleged fraud. The other is stated as global logistics giant DSV.
Documents from companies house show West of Scotland Heavy Haulage was liquidated in early 2019. Back in October 2017, the heavy haulage specialist appointed an administrator.
Another document uploaded to companies house shows that the firm’s fate was also tied into the situation with police escorts.
The document explains that the police had withdrawn police escort services in September 2017, leaving the haulier unable to fulfil its contracts. That then led to cash flow difficulties, followed by administration.
The accused are due back in court in September, with a verdict expected a month after.
