SNP Finance Investigation Costs Surpass £3 Million Mark
The criminal investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances has now exceeded £3 million in total costs, according to newly released data. The Crown Office has disclosed that its expenditure on the long-running Operation Branchform has reached nearly £840,000, representing a significant increase from previous figures.
Breakdown of Rising Expenditure
Official figures reveal that Crown Office spending on the probe has increased by almost £380,000 since the summer of last year. The majority of these funds have been allocated to staffing and Crown counsel expenses. Specifically, staffing costs related to Operation Branchform amount to £814,844, with Crown counsel costing £22,423 and subsistence expenses at £15, bringing the total to £837,282.
Separately, Police Scotland's spending on the investigation stands at approximately £2.27 million. When combined with Crown Office expenditure, the total cost to the public purse exceeds £3.1 million. This represents a substantial financial commitment to an investigation that has become one of the longest-running fraud probes in Police Scotland's history.
Political Reaction and Concerns
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr expressed deep concern about the escalating costs. 'The ever-rising costs associated with Operation Branchform are deeply concerning, especially at a time when SNP cuts are putting huge strain on Scotland's justice system,' he stated. 'Millions of pounds of public money are continuing to be swallowed up by this investigation into the SNP's own finances, while the Crown Office and the police are being asked to do more with less.'
Background of Operation Branchform
Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021 to investigate how more than £600,000 of crowdfunding was utilized by the SNP. The investigation has involved several high-profile figures within the party, including former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, his estranged wife and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie.
As part of the investigation, police conducted searches at the former marital home of Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon. While Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie were both arrested in connection with the probe, police later confirmed they would not face charges.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Peter Murrell appeared privately at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March of last year, charged with embezzlement. He was released on bail without entering a plea. The case has progressed to the High Court in Glasgow, where a preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 20.
Mr Murrell, aged 61, faces allegations of embezzling party funds between 2016 and 2023. He has secured solemn legal aid approval from the Scottish Legal Aid Board to support his defense. A police file detailing the embezzlement claims was formally submitted to prosecutors in May 2024.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
When questioned about the operational costs, Police Scotland declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. 'Given there are live proceedings in this case, it would not be appropriate for us to comment,' a spokesperson stated.
The Crown Office emphasized the significance of the investigation in its resource allocation. 'Resources are being applied to this investigation, which includes an ongoing prosecution, in line with its significance,' a spokesman confirmed.
The investigation continues to unfold as one of the most substantial financial probes in recent Scottish political history, with costs mounting as legal proceedings advance through the court system.
