A SCOTTISH Government agency has said it is “aware” of sex trafficking allegations against a multi-millionaire donor.
It comes after philanthropist Hamish Ogston was the subject of an article from The Sunday Times, which accused the millionaire of trafficking Thai and Filipina women into the UK for 15 years.
The investigation also accused Ogston of hosting these women at his home for sex work, and that it lead to a number of them requiring medical treatment at a clinic near his London home.
Ogston, 75, has denied the allegations, which the Met Police are looking into.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) – the lead public body established to care for and promote Scotland's historic environment – said it is also looking into it as “a priority”.
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In a statement, Ogston said: “This paints a picture of my personal life that I simply do not recognise. I do not exploit women.”
He added: “I am very sad that the publication of these allegations is going to cause immeasurable harm to the charities which I have been able to support over the years.”
Ogston’s foundation recently awarded £5.2 million to HES for traditional skills training for crafts including stone carving and blacksmithing.
HES said at the time that the award would give a much-needed boost to the specialist skills required to conserve and maintain Scotland’s historic built environment.
Responding to the allegations in the media, a spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent press coverage and are looking into it as a priority."
The Met Police told The Sun: "We are aware of media reporting allegations of exploitation and drugs offences.
"We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and are now reviewing this information to assess what further action is needed."
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