Scottish Greens call for investigation into Trump finances
The Scottish Government must provide an update on investigations into Donald Trump’s business dealings in Scotland, says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.
In February of this year, the New York State Supreme Court found Donald Trump guilty of civil fraud, ordering defendants to pay more than $450 million. They were found to have falsely inflated the value of Trump’s assets, including his golf course in Aberdeen. Donald Trump was also subsequently convicted by a New York jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
At First Minister’s Questions today, Mr Greer reiterated the Scottish Greens’ calls for Scottish Ministers to apply an Unexplained Wealth Order, a mechanism that allows investigations into “politically exposed persons” like Trump suspected of involvement in serious crime.
Earlier this week, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie wrote to the First Minister and the Lord Advocate urging them to provide an update to the Scottish public as to what action is being taken.
In his question to the First Minister, Mr Greer said: "My colleague Patrick Harvie has written to the First Minister and Lord Advocate to request confirmation on what action Scottish Ministers are taking in light of the serious concerns which have come to light about Donald Trump’s acquisition of property in Scotland.
“Mr Trump was recently found guilty on 34 counts in the New York state supreme court, including the falsifying of business records in relation to his Scottish properties.
“Since 2017 the Scottish Greens have called on Ministers to apply for an Unexplained Wealth order under the Proceeds of Crime Act to investigate Trump’s activities in Scotland.
“For years Ministers have said they cannot confirm or deny whether Trump is under investigation. In that same length of time an investigation and a court case have now taken place in New York.
“Faith in Scotland’s justice system is being put at risk by this appearance of inaction in the face of potentially serious criminal activity by a rich and powerful individual. Can the First Minister provide an update on whether an Unexplained Wealth Order will be sought against Donald Trump’s Scottish business activities?”
In his response to Mr Greer’s question, the First Minister said he would “explore if anything more could be said” about investigations and would write to him if anything more could be put on the record.