Police Scotland Seeks Guidance on SNP Finance Probe

Police Scotland has taken a significant step in its ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances, known as Operation Branchform. The force has presented its findings to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, seeking guidance on the next course of action in this complex inquiry.

The investigation, which began in July 2021, has been examining the SNP's handling of over £600,000 in donations raised in 2017 for a potential second independence referendum. This probe has led to several high-profile arrests and searches, including those involving former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell.

As of August 9, 2024, detectives have submitted an "advice and guidance report" to prosecutors, detailing their discoveries thus far. A Police Scotland spokesperson stated, "We await their direction on what further action should be taken." This development comes as the investigation continues to focus on Nicola Sturgeon and Colin Beattie, the party's former treasurer, both of whom were arrested and released without charge in 2023.

The SNP, founded in 1934, has been the largest party in the Scottish Parliament since 2007, advocating for Scottish independence. The party's financial management came under scrutiny when accounts filed with Companies House in 2020 showed only £97,000 in the bank, despite the substantial fundraising for a referendum that never materialized.

In a significant turn of events, Peter Murrell, who served as the SNP's Chief Executive from 1999 to 2023, was charged with embezzling party funds in April 2024. This followed his second arrest and a series of police actions, including a two-day search of the Sturgeon-Murrell residence in April 2023.

The Crown Office, Scotland's prosecution service, is now tasked with reviewing the police report. Their evaluation will involve "a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police." The prosecutors may instruct further investigations before making any decisions on how to proceed.

"On Aug 9 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken."

This ongoing investigation highlights the complex interplay between politics and finance in Scotland's distinct legal system. As the country continues to debate its constitutional future, with the SNP pushing for a second independence referendum since the Brexit vote in 2016, the outcome of Operation Branchform could have significant implications for the party and Scottish politics as a whole.

As the investigation unfolds, it's worth noting that Scotland's prosecution service, headed by the Lord Advocate, operates independently within the Scottish legal system. This system, separate from the rest of the United Kingdom, will play a crucial role in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.