East Lothian Woman and Husband Die in France Amid Gang Attack

A woman from East Lothian died in France. Her husband, an ex-banker, also died. Dawn Searle and Andrew Searle were found at their home in Les Pesquies, near Villefranche-de-Rouergue. They were discovered Thursday afternoon.

Dawn lived in Musselburgh, Scotland, and Andrew was from West Sussex, England. He worked at a big Edinburgh bank before they retired to France ten years ago. Both were in their 60s.

Andrew fought financial crime for years, working with police and the SFO to target money laundering and other crimes. This may have made him enemies. He retired in 2015 from Scotland, having worked at Barclay’s and Standard Life.

French detectives are investigating the deaths and worry UK criminals might be involved. Andrew’s past work could be a reason.

Andrew’s LinkedIn described his role in improving anti-financial crime efforts, including monitoring for bribery. This might link to their deaths. Police found them Thursday afternoon, and the theory about UK criminals arose Friday.

The Searles’ property is now a crime scene, having undergone extensive examination by police. An investigator thinks they were murdered. The couple were healthy and popular, and the priority is a UK criminal link given Andrew fought organized crime for many years.

Police have not named the Searles officially, but neighbors confirmed their identities. One neighbor called them lovely and friendly. The news caused local fear.

The Searles likely died inside their house, a two-bedroom rental unit. It was a holiday home called “Andrew and Dawn at home.”

The Foreign Office offered support to the family and is talking with French authorities.