A SELKIRK man who used to run a chip shop in the town but later became brothel-keeper in Edinburgh has been jailed for five years.
Robert Munro, 61, (pictured) was convicted after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh of money-laundering, living on the earnings of prostitution, as well as keeping a brothel – all aggravated by a connection with serious organised crime.
A co-accused, Margaret Paterson, 60, was also jailed for five years. A third accused Ian Goalen who pleaded guilty to living on the earnings of prostitution was sentenced to a Community Payback Order of 150 hours.
The Scotland-wide sex operation was based at premises in Grosvenor Street, in Edinburgh and the offences dated from 2001 until police moved in during 2011.
Munro and Paterson laundered over £1.2million and the Crown Office has started confiscation proceedings.
After sentencing, Lindsey Miller, the head of the Crown’s Serious Organised Crime Division, said the conviction demonstrated their commitment to bring to justice those who exploited others and who sought to benefit from crime.
Miller added: “Margaret Paterson and Robert Munro exploited vulnerable women for their own profit, running a large network of prostitutes across Scotland and laundering the proceeds of their criminal activities.”
Munro ran a chip shop on Selkirk High Street and for many years was a member of the local pipe band.
Paterson and Munro operated under a variety of names including Scottish Playmates, Kittens, Berkeley Ladies, Aberdeen Escorts and Edinburgh Escorts.