In the late 1980s, a stranger who introduced himself as Lord Williams showed up in the small Scottish town of Tomintoul and began buying up semi-ruined properties and failing businesses, making him a celebrity.
Some neighbors immediately believed the story that he was an aristocrat because of him Perfect morals and chivalry. However, a few years later, the scandal broke out.
Anthony Williams It has allocated more than 6.3 million US dollars of the London Metropolitan Police (known internationally as Scotland Yard), through which he gained a peerage and carried out numerous real estate operations in the city, until he was unmasked and imprisoned.
However, nearly 30 years after the corruption scandal erupted, Williams’ misdeeds do not receive strong condemnation in Tomintoul.
the reason? There are many neighbors who consider that they have left positive results.
Rotten apple
The false Lord Williams was responsible for Scotland Yard’s finances and used his position to seize money from the police agency, according to the judicial investigation.
For nearly a decade, Administrator Diverting resources allocated to fighting the IRA (IRA), an organization that sought independence for Northern Ireland and for decades carried out murders, bombings and other acts of terrorism.
Williams, who joined the London Police in 1959, was able to rise and enjoy the absolute trust of commanders, which allowed him to obtain millions, Without monitoring or supervision of any kind.
When his mismanagement came to light in the mid-1990s and he was imprisoned for seven and a half years, police chiefs had to make a public apology to the public and promised to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the country. Country. future.
“I am angry and ashamed by the brave work of police officers You have been betrayed“, announced the then head of Scotland Yard, Paul Condon.
“earned” investment
The corrupt official invested his ill-gotten gains in the quiet town with a population of less than a thousand people, located in the Scottish municipality of Moray. About 900 kilometers north of London.
Williams came to Tomintoul with his wife Kay and bought a cabin.
After purchasing the house, he founded the Clockhouse restaurant, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in its renovation. He also owned a hotel and bought other properties.
When he was arrested in 1994 at his home in New Malden, a neighborhood southwest of the British capital, some locals feared it would turn Tomintoul into a ghost town.
Drew McPherson, current owner of the Clockhouse Restaurant, remembers when Williams showed up in town.
“We have to go back 35 years,” he told BBC Scotland correspondent Ken Banks.
“He was a very low-key manHe explained that, without any pretenses or pretenses, he was just a businessman who came to the city to revitalize it.
“It started here with the Clockhouse, which used to be a shop. The whole building was gutted from the roof to the basement,” McPherson added.
“This was a $1.5 million project. “The external walls have now been fixed to a frame of beams that holds the entire building in place and will hold it for the next 200 years,” he said.
“At that moment I remember thinking: Why would someone spend that amount of money on Tomintoul?” he admitted.
But he immediately added: “But Without these investors, one wonders what would remain in cities like these.”.
McPherson confirmed that no one in town had any idea of the violations committed by Williams.
“We didn’t realize it until the police showed up. In the city with their funny hats, because the London police wear this distinctive uniform. He indicated that the raids had begun.
“The initial reaction was shock and surprise,” he admitted. “And you look back and say, ‘Yes, we should have known that.'”
Robin Hood in the twentieth century
Although he admits that “theft or other types of wrongdoing cannot be tolerated,” the Clock House owner is one of those who believe that the corrupt officer’s destination for the stolen money was ultimately a positive thing for the town.
“Even though Tony Williams is proven to be a criminal, “What he stole, he spent in Tomintoul.”He said.
“My point is that if he had not done that, the real estate and businesses we see today simply would not exist. They will be piles of rubble“The merchant explained.
“Their business has lasted 30 years, employing people and maintaining the city’s sustainability,” he added.
“I’m not saying criminals are needed, but investments are needed,” McPherson added.
When asked what he would say to Williams if he had the opportunity to speak with him, McPherson replied: “I’ve done a lot of good in this area, legally or illegally. The buildings and the jobs wouldn’t be there, and so on.” I did well“.
The Clockhouse restaurant owner’s situation is not unique. Mona Grant, 86, also believes Williams, whom she remembers as a “very smart guy,” did things for the city.
“He stole the money, but he renovated some hotels and stuff. “I think he did a good thing,” the woman told BBC Scotland correspondent Ken Banks.
The woman said she only exchanged greetings with the corrupt officer, but found him “very nice.”
She admitted that when she learned the truth she was “a little devastated.”
“Most of the properties he acquired were improved, but the way he did it was unfortunate,” said Beth Coats, another town resident.
Duncan McGregor, 74, spoke in similar terms, saying: “He (Williams) has done good for Tomintoul, there is no doubt about that. But with stolen money“.
For her part, June Ferguson (79 years old) said: “He did a wonderful job with other people’s money, which is something we can all do.”
earthquake
The corruption scandal involving Williams in the British Parliament has ended.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticized the police for a lack of checks and their inability to detect officer misconduct early.
Robert Sheldon, who chaired the committee, found it implausible that Williams would be so “Live a Lord’s Life in Scotland” For a long time, without anyone noticing.
He added: “We found it amazing that a government employee could live such a life, buying hotels and becoming an important figure in a small town, while coming to London to make sure the money was available.”
“Williams got away with it (…) and I find it strange that no one knew about this Of their way of life,” he concluded.
Nearly three decades later, the case may have been forgotten in the UK as a whole, but not in Tomintoul, where the corrupt officer’s escapades still spark controversy.
Remember that you can receive notifications from BBC News Mundo. Download and activate the latest version of our app so you don’t miss our best content.
“Thinker. Professional twitter fanatic. Certified introvert. Troublemaker. Unapologetic zombie maven.”