Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement in SNP finance probe
View: Peter Murrell has returned to his residence after being interrogated and accused of committing embezzlement at Falkirk Police station.
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister's partner, has been accused of involvement in the mishandling of Scottish National Party funds.
At 09:13 on Thursday, Police Scotland detectives apprehended Peter Murrell, aged 59 and interrogated him.
Before, he was taken into custody on 5 April 2023 under suspicion of a crime, but later he was let go without any accusation.
According to BBC Scotland, it is believed that Mr Murrell has stepped down from being a member of the SNP.
At 6:35 PM, he was accused after additional interrogation by law enforcement officials who were probing the funding and economic affairs of the party under Operation Branchform.
After being detained at Falkirk Police Station, Mr. Murrell has been set free and returned to his residence located near Glasgow at about 8 pm.
After serving 22 years as the SNP's chief executive, he stepped down from his position in March of the previous year.
A representative of SNP stated: "Although the news may come as a surprise, the investigation by the authorities is still ongoing. Therefore, we cannot issue any statements regarding the matter at this point in time."
The image used in this blog was provided by PA Media.
Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell tied the knot in 2010 and were spotted together casting their votes in the 2019 general election.
In July of this year, Police Scotland initiated an official inquiry into the financial operations of the SNP as allegations surfaced regarding the improper use of contributions.
There have been concerns regarding over £660,000 worth of contributions given to the political group to be utilized for a new vote on self-rule.
Last year, Mr Murrell got arrested and the police conducted a search of the residence he and Ms Sturgeon reside in, which is situated near Glasgow. They also carried out a search at the SNP headquarters located in Edinburgh. The couple exchanged vows in the year 2010.
Blue and white tape surrounded the house and a tent was set up on the driveway. Things were taken from the house to the tent, where a vehicle was reportedly parked, according to the BBC.
The authorities confiscated a motorhome parked outside Mr Murrell's mother's house in Dunfermline.
On the same day that Mr. Murrell, a prominent member of the political party, was arrested as part of the investigation, the Niesmann and Bischoff automobile was confiscated by the police. The vehicle typically sells for over £100,000.
Colin Beattie, who was the treasurer of SNP and also an MSP, was apprehended by the police on the 18th of April, 2023. After being questioned, he was released for further investigation. Later, he stepped down from his post as treasurer.
Last year, the authorities set up a tent outside the house where Mr. Murrell and Ms. Sturgeon reside, when he was taken into custody by the police.
According to a representative, Ms. Sturgeon scheduled a meeting with Police Scotland on June 11 to be interrogated as part of the inquiry, which resulted in her being apprehended.
She was set free after seven hours without being charged, but the authorities are still conducting further investigations.
In February 2023, Ms Sturgeon surprisingly declared her decision to step down as the leader of SNP and the first minister, four months ahead of schedule.
The people who speak on behalf of the COPFS said that experienced lawyers from their team and a specific type of prosecutor are collaborating with the police to carry out this investigation that is still happening.
It is the usual way that prosecutors handle any situation concerning politicians, without any input from the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General. The prosecutors in Scotland operate without any intervention from the government.
It is customary for us to refrain from providing detailed comments on the execution of ongoing investigations so as to maintain their credibility.
A representative from the Police Scotland stated that they are unable to provide further comments as the investigation is currently ongoing.
This case falls under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, which means it's currently ongoing. As a precautionary measure, it's recommended that the public be careful when discussing it on social media.
