Scottish prosecutors examining fresh report from police over SNP finances

Scottish prosecutors are examining a fresh report from police leading the criminal investigation into the SNP's finances.

Detectives have been probing the party's funding since 2021 and previously charged ex-CEO Peter Murrell in connection with embezzlement.

The 59-year-old is the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

She is also a suspect in the investigation but has insisted she has done nothing wrong following her arrest in 2023.

The SNP's former treasurer Colin Beattie was also previously detained and released without charge.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell told Sky News last month the case remained "ongoing", with Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie still being examined.

It has now emerged senior officers contacted the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in August for "advice and guidance" on the next steps.

A report with the latest information on the major investigation was exchanged between law enforcement authorities.

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A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "On 9 August 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to COPFS and we await their direction on what further action should be taken."

The long-running inquiry - dubbed Operation Branchform - has been ongoing for years without conclusion.

It is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

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Following her arrest in June 2023, Ms Sturgeon said: "The thing that sustains me right now is the certainty that I have done nothing wrong."

A COPFS spokesperson said: "A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.

"Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing."