Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement following rearrest
Nicola Sturgeon's husband and former SNP Chief Exec was taken into custody for questioning earlier today, following a police investigation into the party's finances.
Last updated 18th Apr 2024
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been charged in connection with embezzlement of SNP funds following a police investigation into the party's finances.
The 59-year-old husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was taken into custody for questioning at 9.13am, more than a year after his first arrest.
Police confirmed on Thursday evening he has been charged in connection with their investigation into SNP finances.
The force said in a statement: "A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, April 18 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 April 5, 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.
"The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media."
His charge is part of a probe known as Operation Branchform into the spending of more than £600,000 in donations for independence campaigning.
It is understood Murrell has resigned his SNP membership.
The party currently say it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the matter.
A spokesperson said: "While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment."
Ms Sturgeon, who resigned as first minister and SNP leader in February 2023, was arrested two months after her husband was first arrested, while former party treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested the same year.
Both Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie were released without charge pending further investigation.
Murrell stepped down as SNP chief executive - a role he had held for more than 20 years - during last year's leadership campaign.
He has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010.
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