Peter Murrell faces restrictions on selling property due to a court order amid ongoing investigations into SNP finances
Glasgow: So, Operation Branchform kicked off back in 2021. It all started when folks raised concerns about how the SNP handled around £600,000 in donations for independence. The police are still digging into it, and many in the party want it wrapped up. They feel it’s hurting their image.
Basically, the police are looking into how the SNP managed those donations. They raised a good chunk of cash from supporters since 2017, but it didn’t show up in the party’s accounts. That raised eyebrows, leading to complaints and this ongoing investigation.
Now, let’s talk about some key players. Nicola Sturgeon was leading the SNP when those donations came in, and her husband, Peter Murrell, was the party’s CEO. They’ve since separated, but both were arrested in 2023 and later released without charges. Colin Beattie, the ex-treasurer, was also caught up in this.
Peter Murrell, who ran the party for over twenty years, got charged with embezzlement. That’s a big deal! And there’s this luxury campervan involved too. Cops seized a fancy motorhome worth about £110,000 during their investigation.
As for where things stand now, Police Scotland has spent around £2 million on this case. They wrapped up their inquiries last August and handed a report to the Crown Office. Right now, they’re just waiting for further instructions.
Nicola Sturgeon has been vocal about her innocence. She’s still an MSP in Glasgow and shares a home with Murrell, even after their split. She mentioned that she wishes the situation wasn’t happening but is focused on her life.
Recently, a court order came down, stopping Murrell from selling any of his property. This was a move by the Crown Office, and it’s just another twist in this ongoing saga.
