Page 74 of Forever, Maybe
Chapter fifty-seven
G lasgow Businessman Pursued Under Proceeds of Crime Act
By Dougie Soutar
@dougie_crime
Thurs 29 Sept 16 10.00 GMT
In a dramatic turn of events, retired Glasgow businessman Shane O’Malley finds himself entangled in a web of suspicion and legal jeopardy as law enforcement authorities intensify their pursuit under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The seventy-five-year-old ex-businessman faces allegations of amassing wealth through illicit activities including drug trafficking, people smuggling, operating brothels and possibly even arms dealing.
Sources within the Police Scotland, speaking on condition of anonymity, reveal that the investigation into the businessman's activities has been a lengthy and complex endeavour, spanning several almost five years.
The authorities have meticulously gathered evidence, including financial transactions, witness testimonies, and surveillance data, all pointing towards O’Malley’s involvement in a network of organised crime.
O’Malley, once well-known for his opulent lifestyle and significant presence in Glasgow’s business circles, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. However, the police remain steadfast in their pursuit, convinced that his wealth is tainted by the proceeds of criminal enterprises.
One source close to the investigation described O’Malley as a “shadowy figure,” operating behind a facade of legitimate business operations during the period 1994-2005 while allegedly orchestrating a range of criminal activities beneath the surface.
O’Malley owned several nightclubs, bars and restaurants in Glasgow, which were sold for an undisclosed sum to a hedge fund in 2009.
The source further alleges that O’Malley had employed sophisticated methods to conceal his illicit dealings, making the task of unravelling his criminal empire all the more challenging for law enforcement.
The decision to invoke the Proceeds of Crime Act marks a significant escalation in efforts to hold retired businessman Shane O’Malley accountable for his alleged illicit activities.
This powerful legislation grants authorities sweeping powers to seize assets acquired through criminal means, even in cases where direct criminal charges cannot be brought.
The latest development has sent shockwaves through Glasgow’s business community, raising concerns about the extent of organised crime’s infiltration into seemingly legitimate enterprises.
Calls for greater transparency and accountability have grown louder, with increasing pressure to implement stricter measures that prevent individuals—and their families—from profiting from illicit wealth.
One such connection under scrutiny is O’Malley’s financial support of his nephew, Daniel Murray.
In 1994, O’Malley lent Murray the funds to purchase a mobile sandwich van and secure the lease for a small shop, currently managed by O’Malley’s stepdaughter.
Today, Murray’s business— Stuffed! —has flourished.
He now owns five shops, operates a fleet of six mobile vans servicing Glasgow’s industrial estates, runs an outdoor catering division and boasts a product line stocked by Asda.
Amid growing speculation, O’Malley’s legal team has fiercely defended their client.
In a statement to the Scottish Post, they condemned the investigation as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by law enforcement, insisting that O’Malley has always operated within the bounds of the law.
They vowed to challenge any attempt to seize his assets.
As the high-stakes confrontation between law enforcement and O’Malley intensifies, all eyes are on the outcome. With the full weight of the Proceeds of Crime Act behind them, authorities are determined to send a clear message—crime doesn’t pay.