Police submit Operation Branchform report to Crown after Peter Murrell charged

Police Scotland has submitted a report to the Crown Office following the investigation into SNP finances.

Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP, was charged last month with embezzlement.

Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021.

Murrell was arrested in April 2023 for questioning and was released without charge, but was arrested again last month and then charged.

Following any charge, officers report their finding to prosecutors. Lawyers at the Crown Office then decide whether the case goes to court, including determining whether there is enough evidence.

In an official statement, Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland has today (Thursday, 23 May, 2024) submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on 18 April, 2024, in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

“Investigations continue and we are unable to comment further.”

Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon – who is married to Murrell – and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie MSP were also arrested in connection with Operation Branchform last year. Both were released without charge.

A Crown Office spokesperson said: “A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.

“Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.

“Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report. They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence.”