Police Scotland insists it’s not to blame for delays in the ongoing Operation Branchform investigation into SNP finances
Glasgow: Police Scotland says it’s not responsible for any delays in Operation Branchform. They’ve been repeating this to reporters for weeks. This investigation looks into how over £600,000 in SNP donations was spent.
This week, Scotland’s top judge, Lord Carloway, commented on the situation. He said he knew nothing about the case but acknowledged there seems to be a hold-up. He wasn’t sure if it was the police or the Crown Office causing the delay.
When asked about the judge’s remarks, a police spokesperson said they presented their findings to the Crown Office on August 9, 2024. They are now waiting for further instructions on what to do next.
Operation Branchform started in July 2021. It gained attention in April 2023 when police searched Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell’s home for two days. They also searched the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
Sturgeon was questioned by detectives in 2023 but was released without charges. She has denied any wrongdoing. Murrell was arrested last year for embezzlement, but it’s unclear if he will face trial.
Earlier this month, Sturgeon announced her separation from Murrell. They haven’t been seen together publicly for nearly two years. Sturgeon previously said her marriage was not a concern for anyone after her resignation as First Minister in February 2023.
Murrell resigned as SNP chief executive the following month after 24 years. Soon after, police raided their home in Glasgow.
