POLICE working on an investigation into the SNP’s finances have submitted a report to prosecutors.
It comes after Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP, was charged in connection with embezzlement last month.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Police Scotland said that a report had been sent "in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on 18 April, 2024".
They added that the investigation dubbed "Operation Branchform" had not yet come to an end.
In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said that investigations into two others, a 72-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.
The police statement said: “Police Scotland has today (Thursday, 23 May, 2024) submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on 18 April, 2024, in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.
“Investigations continue and we are unable to comment further.”
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.
“Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report. They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.
“Before deciding what action to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence. There must be evidence from at least two separate sources to establish that a crime was committed and that the person under investigation was the perpetrator.
“This evaluation will involve a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police. Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision.
“Decisions on how to proceed are taken by prosecutors acting independently and are based upon available evidence, legal principles, and the merits of each case. They are not influenced by political events.”
Murrell was first arrested, questioned, and released without charge in April 2023. He was re-arrested and ultimately charged in connection with embezzlement in April 2024.
His wife, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has also been arrested, questioned, and released without charge amid the police investigation into the SNP's finances, as has former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie.
