NICOLA STURGEON, the former First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has been arrested in connection with an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct. This development marks the third arrest as part of Operation Branchform, the ongoing inquiry by Police Scotland examining claims of improper usage of over £600,000 in donations intended for an independence campaign.
Sturgeon’s spouse, Peter Murrell, the former CEO of the SNP, was taken into custody at their residence in Uddingston near Glasgow on 5th April. After a comprehensive questioning session that lasted nearly 12 hours, he was subsequently released without charges.
During the police operation, authorities conducted a thorough search of Sturgeon and Murrell’s residence, including their back garden. Additionally, a search warrant was executed at the SNP’s headquarters, leading to the seizure of numerous boxes containing documents and computers.
Colin Beattie MSP, who held the position of the party’s treasurer at the time, was also arrested and interrogated as part of the same investigation on 18th April. He, too, was released later without charges, pending further examination.
In an official statement released at 2:28 pm on Sunday, Police Scotland revealed that a 52-year-old woman, believed to be Nicola Sturgeon, had been arrested on suspicion of her involvement in the ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party’s funding and finances. Currently in custody, she is undergoing questioning by detectives from Police Scotland.
Police Scotland stated, “A report will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies to this matter, and therefore, the public is advised to exercise caution when discussing it on social media. As the investigation is still ongoing, further comments cannot be provided at this time.”
