Six people have appeared in court following an alleged “targeted” abduction as part of a suspected robbery plot in Edinburgh. Police received a report that a man had been abducted in the Canonmills area of the capital around 10.30pm on Thursday, August 13. Following an extensive investigation, the 22-year-old was traced to Longniddry and taken to hospital as a precaution.
Arrests and Charges
The force arrested five men and a woman. Enquiries into the alleged abduction, which police described as targeted, are ongoing. Bugra Has, 21, Achille Keita, 23, Mustafa Merghani, 22, Ashawn Studholme, 21, Robert McKinney, 45, and Danielle Whyte, 40, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.
All are accused of abduction, assault to severe injury with intent to rob and firearm charges. Has, of Edinburgh, is further accused of being in possession of a bladed weapon. Studholme, of Glasgow, Keita, of no fixed abode, McKinney, of East Lothian, and Whyte of Musselburgh, also face three firearms charges. Alongside three firearms charges, Mustafa Merghani, of Edinburgh, is also charged with a road traffic offence.
Court Proceedings and Police Response
All six people made no plea and were remanded in custody. They have been committed for further examination and are expected to appear in court again within eight days. Images from the scene showed a police cordon in place at the junctions for Cunningham Court and Coal Road. Videos shared on social media showed firearm officers making arrests on the road after stopping a vehicle.
Detective Inspector Robbie Wallace previously said: “We understand an incident of this nature will be concerning but please be assured our enquiries are ongoing.” Police will remain in the Longniddry area while this investigation continues and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.
Anyone with any information or concerns can contact police on 101, quoting incident 3944 of Thursday, 13 August, 2026.
