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More than £2m Spent on SNP 'Embezzlement' Probe as Peter Murrell Faces Court
Police Scotland said the probe into SNP finances has cost more than £2 million and does not include Crown Office or pension costs.
- Police Scotland revealed that Operation Branchform, the investigation into Scottish National Party finances, cost £2,173,089 as of April 30, excluding pension contributions and Crown Office expenses.
- Launched in 2021, the probe scrutinizes SNP funding amid allegations of fraud and has led to high-profile arrests, including former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who faces embezzlement charges.
- Prosecutors allege Murrell embezzled nearly £460,000 from the party between 2010 and 2023, while Police Scotland spent £100,498 on officer overtime since the inquiry began five years ago.
- Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill criticized the financial impact, stating the SNP must "urgently clarify" whether budget cuts to Police Scotland are needed amid the investigation costs.
- Murrell is scheduled to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, as the Scottish Government confirmed record funding of over £1.7 billion for policing in 2026-27, a 5% increase.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Evening Standard+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Police bill for investigation into SNP finances tops £2m
Operation Branchform was launched in 2021.
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 36%
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