Police consider SNP stolen goods charges as part of investigation into party finances

Police are understood to be considering charges of possession of stolen goods in relation to the SNP’s finances.

Operation Branchform detectives are investigating whether the crime of “reset” could have been committed.

Nicola Sturgeon’s husband and ex-party chief executive Peter Murrell was charged with embezzlement last month. The couple and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were previously questioned by the police in relation to a probe into more than £660,000 of donations.

A source told the Sunday Mail: “More charges could come at any time. This is a wide-ranging inquiry and the fact that a report has not yet been sent to the procurator fiscal by police suggests the police are not finished.”

Reset is the crime of possessing property knowingly acquired by theft – or by robbery, fraud or embezzlement – and intending to retain it.

Reset can also be committed by being privy to or involved in the retention or keeping of property which you know to be stolen.

Last week we revealed senior leadership of the party are preparing for further police activity.

Police launched a formal investigation into the SNP’s finances in July 2021 after receiving complaints about how donations were used.

Complaints have been received over more than £660,000 in donations given to the party for use in a fresh independence referendum campaign.

Sturgeon and Murrell’s home has been searched as well as the SNP’s HQ in Edinburgh. Police also seized a camper van from outside the Dunfermline home of Murrell’s mum.

A spokeswoman for the SNP said it would be inappropriate for them to comment.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.