Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and husband of ex-first minister Nicola Sturgeon, has been charged in connection with embezzlement in a police investigation into the party’s finances.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.
“The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on 5 April, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
The man is no longer in police custody.
“As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
Operation Branchform
The name given to the police inquiry, beginning in 2021, is Operation Branchform.
Mr Murrell was first to be questioned. He stepped down as SNP chief executive in March during the leadership contest triggered by Ms Sturgeon’s resignation in February 2023.
Former party Treasurer Colin Beattie was also questioned on April 18 2023 and released without charge.
Ms Sturgeon was the third senior figure to be taken into custody by officers during investigations.
She was released without charge after almost seven hours in custody on Sunday June 11.
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