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Cost of criminal probe into SNP finances soars to 2.7 million

Soaring Costs of Police Probe into SNP Finances Hit £1.5 Million Amid Ongoing Investigation

The financial burden of a high-profile criminal investigation into the Scottish National Party's (SNP) finances has escalated dramatically, with taxpayers footing a bill that now exceeds £1.5 million. Operation Branchform, the long-running police inquiry launched in 2021, continues to drain public resources as detectives delve into allegations of financial misconduct within Scotland's governing party. This probe, which has already seen arrests and high-level interviews, underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding political funding in Scotland, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the potential political fallout for the SNP.

At the heart of the investigation is a controversy over approximately £600,000 raised by the SNP through a crowdfunding campaign in 2017 and 2019. The funds were ostensibly earmarked for a second independence referendum, a cornerstone of the party's agenda. However, concerns arose when it emerged that these monies appeared to be missing from the party's accounts, prompting complaints from pro-independence activists and leading to formal police involvement. The Electoral Commission, the UK's elections watchdog, had initially looked into the matter but referred it to Police Scotland after identifying potential irregularities. What began as a seemingly straightforward audit has ballooned into one of the most scrutinized police operations in recent Scottish history, involving forensic accountants, financial experts, and extensive document reviews.

The latest figures, obtained through freedom of information requests, reveal that the cost of Operation Branchform has surged to £1,541,206 as of the most recent reporting period. This marks a significant increase from previous estimates, with expenditures climbing by hundreds of thousands in just a matter of months. Breaking down the costs provides a clearer picture of the operation's scale: over £1 million has been allocated to staff salaries and overtime, reflecting the intensive manpower required for what has become a protracted inquiry. Detectives have worked countless extra hours, sifting through financial records, conducting interviews, and coordinating with external specialists. An additional £200,000 has gone toward operational expenses, including travel, equipment, and forensic analysis. Specialist services, such as those provided by digital forensics teams examining electronic devices, account for another substantial portion, highlighting the modern, tech-driven nature of financial investigations.

The probe gained national attention in April 2023 when Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and husband of ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested at the couple's home in Glasgow. Police conducted a dramatic search of the property, erecting tents in the garden and seizing items, including a luxury campervan parked outside the SNP's Edinburgh headquarters. Murrell was released without charge pending further inquiries, but the spectacle fueled media frenzy and political speculation. Just days later, Colin Beattie, the party's then-treasurer, was also arrested and released under similar circumstances. The investigation reached a pivotal moment in June 2023 when Sturgeon herself was arrested and questioned for several hours before being released without charge. Sturgeon, who had stepped down as First Minister earlier that year, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the experience as "deeply distressing" but affirming her cooperation with authorities.

These developments have not only kept the story in the headlines but have also intensified scrutiny on the SNP's internal governance. Critics argue that the party's handling of donations and expenditures raises broader questions about financial transparency in politics. The missing referendum funds were part of a "ring-fenced" appeal, meaning donors expected the money to be used solely for independence-related activities. When the SNP's 2019 accounts showed only £97,000 in cash reserves—far short of the £600,000 raised—alarm bells rang. Party officials have maintained that the funds were spent appropriately on campaigning and operational costs, but discrepancies in reporting to the Electoral Commission led to a £750 fine for the SNP in 2021 for failing to declare donations promptly.

The escalating costs of the investigation have sparked debate among politicians and the public. Scottish Conservative MSP Russell Findlay has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the probe a "scandalous waste" of taxpayer money and calling for greater accountability from the SNP leadership. "This investigation is dragging on, and the bill keeps rising, all while ordinary Scots foot the bill," Findlay remarked in a recent statement. "The SNP must come clean about what happened to that money." On the other side, SNP representatives have defended the party's integrity, with a spokesperson insisting that the organization has fully cooperated with police and that the inquiry should be allowed to run its course without political interference. "We respect the independence of the police and the judicial process," the spokesperson said. "Speculation only serves to undermine public confidence."

Beyond the immediate financial implications, Operation Branchform has broader ramifications for Scottish politics. The SNP, which has dominated Holyrood since 2007, faces a challenging landscape ahead of the next general election. Sturgeon's resignation in February 2023, amid unrelated policy controversies like gender reform legislation, was compounded by the unfolding scandal. Her successor, Humza Yousaf, has sought to distance the party from the probe, emphasizing a focus on governance and economic recovery post-pandemic. However, polls suggest lingering damage to the SNP's reputation, with trust in the party's financial management dipping among voters. Independence supporters, in particular, express frustration that the scandal distracts from the core goal of secession from the UK.

The investigation's timeline remains uncertain, with no charges filed to date despite the high-profile arrests. Police Scotland has emphasized that the inquiry is "complex and ongoing," involving cross-border cooperation with authorities in England and potentially international elements if financial trails lead abroad. Experts in financial crime note that such probes can take years, especially when dealing with political entities where records may be intertwined with campaign activities. "These cases often involve piecing together a puzzle of donations, expenditures, and intent," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a criminologist specializing in white-collar crime. "The costs reflect the thoroughness required to ensure any potential prosecution is watertight."

Public interest in the case shows no signs of waning, fueled by regular updates and leaks to the media. The seizure of the £110,000 campervan, for instance, became a symbol of the probe's intrigue, with questions arising about whether it was purchased with party funds and intended for campaign use. Police later confirmed it was impounded as potential evidence, though details remain scarce due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

As costs continue to mount, calls for an independent review of the probe's efficiency have grown. Some argue that the resources could be better allocated to frontline policing, especially amid Scotland's challenges with rising crime rates and budget constraints. Police Scotland defends the expenditure, stating that all costs are necessary to uphold the rule of law. "Operation Branchform is a serious investigation into allegations of fraud and embezzlement," a force spokesperson explained. "We are committed to pursuing it diligently, regardless of the individuals involved."

In the wider context of UK politics, this scandal echoes other high-profile cases, such as the expenses scandals that rocked Westminster in the late 2000s. It serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in political funding systems, where large sums can flow through parties with varying degrees of oversight. For the SNP, the outcome of Operation Branchform could either vindicate its leaders or deliver a devastating blow, potentially reshaping the party's future and the independence debate.

As the investigation presses on, the financial toll on taxpayers underscores the high stakes involved. With no end in sight, the probe remains a thorn in the side of Scottish politics, blending elements of financial intrigue, personal drama, and partisan rivalry. Whether it leads to charges or exoneration, the costs—both monetary and reputational—will linger long after the final report is filed. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Daily Record Article at:
[ https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/cost-criminal-probe-snp-finances-35632474 ]