A Scottish couple, Andrew and Dawn Searle, were found dead in their French home. Police suspect torture and potential links to Andrew’s past work.
Police think a UK crime gang might have killed them. Andrew Searle used to fight organized crime; he also worked against terrorism. He spent over 20 years investigating financial crimes.
His work included fighting money laundering. He checked people linked to drug dealers, as well as those tied to rogue nations or terrorists. Global crime groups likely knew him because of his work.
Andrew Searle was initially from West Sussex. He later worked in Scotland for several years, at a major bank in Edinburgh. Dawn, his wife, was a project manager and originally from Musselburgh.
Police looked at a robbery theory gone wrong, considering that British criminals might have been after them. They found Andrew hanged inside, with a gag in his mouth. No weapon was found nearby, seeming like he was tortured.
Dawn was found nearby and unclothed, with a head wound. She lay by the front door. Jewelry was scattered around her. It looks like she tried to escape an attacker.
A source told French media more details: Dawn’s body was found first, naked near the house door. Jewelry was scattered near her body. Inside, they found Andrew’s body, hanging with a gag.
A doctor examined the bodies in France, but did not initially find bullet or knife wounds. Full examinations will happen. Police initially thought it might have been a robbery.
A criminal inquiry started after the bodies were found. People fear the couple were actually murdered, especially since they were fit and well-liked. Police are actively investigating his past work in counter-terrorism.
