Eleven police officers are working on the high-profile investigation into alleged fraud in the SNP. The figure was released under freedom of information legislation.
Operation Branchform was launched in 2021 after complaints were made about how over £600,000 of indyref2 donations were spent.
Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, her husband Peter Murrell and one-time treasurer were all arrested and released without charge last year. Murrell, who was SNP chief executive under Sturgeon, was then charged in April this year in connection with alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.
The single force also submitted a “standard prosecution report” to the Crown Office in May.
SNP figures want a resolution to the case, but police enquiries are ongoing. An FOI release from November 18th stated: “I can advise that currently a total of 11 police officers are allocated to this investigation.”
Other figures, which were previously published, show the estimated staff costs for Operation Branchform stand at over £1.7m while police overtime is at £95,425.
Sturgeon was asked this week if she had heard anything further regarding the investigation. She replied: “I have nothing to add. Nothing to offer you on that. I know nothing more than I did back then and I can’t comment on it anyway. I am just getting on with my life as best I can at the moment.”
The former First Minister also said last year that it was “beyond doubt” she was “innocent of any wrongdoing”.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said in a statement this week: “On August 9 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken.”
Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: “It’s essential for public trust that the police can resolve this investigation in a full and comprehensive manner. At the heart of Operation Branchform is the question of honesty and how the SNP handled £600,000 of funds from party members raised for a referendum.
“Whilst the police must have the resources they need to conduct an independent investigation, it is important that the Crown Office do not delay further and they must determine if further charges are warranted.”
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