A Scots couple, Andrew and Dawn Searle, were found dead in their French home, possibly tortured, sparking a crime inquiry.
Police think a UK crime gang may have killed them. Andrew Searle used to fight crime, working against organized crime and terrorism. He spent twenty years doing this work, investigating financial crimes for the police, including money laundering investigations.
He checked people tied to drugs or terrorism, focusing on illegal deals in the UK. His job probably made him known to criminals. Andrew was from West Sussex originally and worked in Scotland, in Edinburgh. Dawn, his wife, was a project manager and hailed from East Lothian.
Police investigated a burglary theory, considering whether British criminals may have targeted them. They found Mr. Searle hanged inside, with something stuffed in his mouth and no weapon nearby. This hints at torture before death. Dawn was nearby and naked, suffering from a head wound.
Dawn’s body was near the front door, with jewelry scattered around her. It looked like she tried to escape. An intruder may have attacked her.
A doctor examined the bodies in France and found no knife or bullet wounds. Post-mortem exams are being done now, as the cause of death isn’t confirmed. Police first thought it was a burglary.
A source said a crime inquiry started, fearing the couple was murdered. The couple were in good shape and liked by the locals. Police think UK criminals pursued them because Mr. Searle fought organized crime earlier in life. That is now their main theory.