Prosecutors investigating SNP fraud allegations are examining evidence that a fake company received payments for refurbishment work carried out on the party’s headquarters.
- Crown prosecutors have stepped up their investigation with movement on the case expected in the coming weeks. A second source said: “One of the biggest items being looked at is a six figure sum which on paper appears to have been spent creating a media suite at the Edinburgh offices.“As things stand the total amount of potential embezzlement is around half a million pounds so this is very serious stuff.
Concerns were raised when SNP accounts showed there was less than £100,000 in the bank at the end of 2019, despite £600,000 being donated. Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s Deputy Leader, said: “These allegations are deeply concerning and it’s right that the police have investigated. The Crown Office need to determine the question of dishonesty and who should be charged.
In February last year, Sturgeon announced she would quit as first minister in February last year - the week before police started interviewing senior party officials. A car fitting the description of the Jaguar was pictured on Murrell and Sturgeon’s driveway in March 2021 but has since been sold.