HAULAGE FIRM BOSS IN FRAUD PROBE
Director’s denial after transport specialists go bust
ThE boss of a major haulage firm who went bust this month is being investigated for fraud.
Jimmy Campbell, director of West of Scotland Heavy Haulage, is at the centre of a probe into alleged fraudulent activity.
The Record understands the firm’s offices in Cumbernauld were raided amid concerns over paperwork for police escort contracts.
Police Scotland confirmed an investigation was ongoing yesterday but the 44-year-old director told us he had “no knowledge” of it when we approached him for comment at his seven-bedroomed detached home in Bearsden, near Glasgow.
Campbell’s firm, one of the country’s leading wind turbine transporters, had a turnover of around £11million, with lucrative contracts in mining, civil engineering and construction.
Administrators FRP Advisory said the collapse of the firm and their associated trading company, West of Scotland Storage Limited, was down to “severe operational and financial problems”.
Earlier this month, the business ceased trading with immediate effect, resulting in 21 staff being made redundant.
Sub-contractors were appointed to finish three major contracts.
But a source close to the firm has revealed the collapse coincided with the launch of a criminal investigation.
The insider said: “The offices were raided by police in September and all of the computer equipment taken away.
“Jimmy Campbell is currently under investigation for fraud.
“The bank got wind of this and came in to do an audit just days after, then the news of administration came.”
“Major creditors have been left in the lurch.”
The source said West of Scotland Heavy Haulage had provided haulage for around a dozen wind farms last year alone and was considered “one of the busiest handlers for wind turbines in Europe”.
The firm had picked up awards for their turbine transportation, including one for a complex operation to deliver two 125-metre turbines to Dalry, Ayrshire, last year.
West of Scotland Heavy Haulage marketed themselves as a family-owned firm with more than 70 years of service.
Campbell’s wife Nicole was also named as a director on Companies House.
Asked about the ongoing fraud investigation, Campbell replied: “Not to my knowledge.
“The company went into administration because of Santander – because of the banking facility.”
Asked about the raid at his offices, he said: “It’s all news to me, dear. I’ll speak to my lawyer.”
It’s understood the investigation is focused on Campbell and another individual linked to the company.
No charges have been brought, though the investigation is continuing.
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation.
“It would not be appropriate to comment any further at this time.”