Detectives had to wait two weeks for permission to search the Glasgow home belonging to Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell, it has been reported.
Police Scotland asked the Crown Office for approval on March 20 but prosecutors only gave the nod on April 3 and forwarded the request on to a Sheriff.
It meant the search of the couple's home near Baillieston on April 5 took place after the SNP leadership contest had ended with Humza Yousaf declared the winner.
Opposition parties last night questioned the timing of the raid given the sensitivities of the case.
Labour raised fears of a possible conflict of interest as the head of the Crown Office, the Lord Advocate — currently Dorothy Bain — is also a member of the Scottish Government cabinet.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour deputy leader, said: “This is a very interesting revelation that will lead to raised eyebrows across Scotland.
“Whilst I accept that the Lord Advocate may not have had a direct influence on the timing, this story underlines why we need to have a serious discussion about separating the role of the Lord Advocate to ensure that no perception of conflict of interest can ever occur.”
Police launched Operation Branchform in July 2021 following several complaints from members of the public over how the SNP was spending donations meant to be ringfenced for independence campaigning.
Murrell, the party's former chief executive, was questioned by detectives for several hours before being released without charge.
A Freedom of Information request by the Sun show that cops asked on March 20 to search Murrell's house as well as SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
It was also the last week of the party's bitter leadership race to succeed Sturgeon as First Minister.
The Crown has previously denied that Bain has any involvement in the SNP investigation.
“It is standard that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General," a spokesperson said. "We will continue to work with police on this ongoing investigation."
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