Mr. Murrell, 59, was charged on Thursday in connection with the embezzlement of Scottish National Party (SNP) funds. He served as the SNP’s chief executive for 20 years before resigning in 2023.
Police Scotland confirmed that Peter Murrell, the 59-year-old former SNP chief executive and husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was taken into custody and charged with embezzlement of party funds.
According to a statement from Police Scotland, Mr. Murrell was arrested on April 18 and charged after further questioning by detectives investigating the party’s finances. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Mr. Murrell, who is no longer in police custody, was released on Thursday evening and returned home to Glasgow, where he resides with Ms. Sturgeon.
The charge is part of Operation Branchform, an investigation into the spending of over £600,000 in donations for Scottish independence campaigning. Both Ms. Sturgeon and the SNP’s former treasurer, Colin Beattie, were also arrested last year in connection with the case.
Following Mr. Murrell’s charge, the Scottish Conservatives Chairman called on the SNP to fully cooperate with the ongoing police probe. He emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation from all current and former party members.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service stated that senior prosecutors are collaborating with the police on the investigation to maintain its integrity and independence.
This report contains contributions from PA Media.
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