Police Scotland has concluded its assessment of the finances of the Yes Scotland campaign group and its former chief executive, Blair Jenkins, finding nothing to warrant further investigation. The decision follows a complaint that prompted the group to hand over its full accounts to officers in July.
Complaint and Allegations
Campaigners Sean Clerkin and David Hendry contacted Police Scotland over the summer, raising concerns that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who has been jailed for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party, may have had access to Yes Scotland cash. Mr Clerkin, whose complaints sparked the Operation Branchform investigation into SNP funds, said at the time that Murrell "had very close control over all the donations that were coming into Yes Scotland".
There were also allegations that £1.5 million was "missing" from the organisation's accounts.
Investigation Outcome
Solicitor Aamer Anwar, who acts for Mr Jenkins, said on Friday that Police Scotland's cybercrime and fraud unit has confirmed they have not identified any criminality and there is now no further police investigation. In July, Mr Anwar said the allegations were based on a "very basic misunderstanding of accounts", adding: "What followed was a desperate attempt to link Peter Murrell's criminal conduct to the financial affairs of Yes Scotland Ltd."
He said Mr Jenkins is grateful to Police Scotland but sorry they were forced to waste valuable resources and time on such "spurious and unfounded allegations".
Police Statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Friday: "We received information which was assessed and nothing was identified which would warrant further investigation."
