SNP Finance Scandal Update: Chief Constable Confirms Probe Nearing Prosecutorial Phase, Involves Former First Minister’s Husband

In a discussion with Sky News, Police Scotland's Chief Constable Jo Farrell declined to comment on whether the extensive investigation into SNP finances would conclude soon, stating that it would be referred to prosecutors in the coming weeks.

Scotland correspondent @ConnorGillies

Monday, May 13, 2024, 12:

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Scotland's top police official has informed Sky News that the investigation concerning Nicola Sturgeon's husband is progressing, with prosecutors expected to receive a report in the coming weeks.

Peter Murrell, the husband of the former first minister and leader of the SNP, has been formally accused of misappropriating party finances.

In her initial media appearances after assuming command of the UK’s second largest police department, Chief Constable Jo Farrell emphasized that her officers maintain impartiality, yet she declined to speculate on the imminent conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

The probe, named Operation Branchform, began in July 2021 following reports of concerns regarding the utilization of SNP donations.

Concerns were raised regarding the collection of over £660,000 for a campaign supporting a second referendum on Scottish independence.

Police Scotland has confirmed that Nicola Sturgeon is still being investigated, following her arrest and subsequent release without charges in 2023.

Colin Beattie, who previously served as the treasurer for the SNP, was taken into custody and questioned for nearly 12 hours in the spring of the previous year.

Nicola Sturgeon acknowledges challenging period following spouse's indictment in financial misconduct investigation

Peter Murrell, the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, has been charged in relation to the alleged misappropriation of funds from the Scottish National Party

Peter Murrell, the spouse of Nicola Sturgeon, has been taken into custody again as part of an ongoing investigation into the financial dealings of the SNP

In a conversation with Sky News, the 72-year-old stated that he had received "absolutely no" recent communications from the police.

Murrell, aged 59, served as the SNP's chief executive for twenty years.

He stepped down from his position shortly before being arrested and gave up his membership in the SNP following the charges brought against him by the police.

In the investigation, police confiscated a motorhome valued at £100,000 parked outside the residence of one of Murrell's aging family members.

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In April, authorities determined there was enough evidence to prosecute Murrell for allegedly misappropriating party funds.

The subsequent step involves the Crown Office, Scotland's prosecuting authority, reviewing a police report on the matter to determine if it should be brought to trial.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office stated: "Scotland's prosecutors operate free from political influence.

"Consistent with standard practice, we refrain from discussing specifics to safeguard the ongoing integrity of our investigations."

Sky News asked Chief Con Farrell to explain the prolonged duration of the investigation.

She stated: "This is an ongoing, intricate investigation, and we have made significant progress. We anticipate submitting the report to the Crown Office within a few weeks."

When questioned about the investigation proceeding during an election year, she responded, "We have looked into the claims. Now, we are progressing forward."

"The case is being handled by highly competent, expert, and impartial professionals."

The high-ranking official declined to provide a timeline for the completion of the SNP investigation or confirm if additional persons would be interrogated.

"I won't comment on the duration. One individual has been charged, and the report is being sent to the Crown Office as the investigation is ongoing," she stated.

Discover further details on Sky News: Celebrating a quarter-century of the Scottish Parliament. Tragic jet-ski collision results in fatality at Glasgow hospital.

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Ms. Sturgeon made a surprising announcement about stepping down as the leader of the SNP and as Scotland's First Minister, several months prior to her and her husband's arrest

She has consistently maintained that the investigation had no role in her abrupt resignation.

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