Police investigation into Scottish National Party finances costs over 2 million

Operation Branchform, launched in 2021 to scrutinise Scottish National Party funding, has cost Police Scotland more than £2 million. Figures released in response to a freedom of information request show the investigation accumulated £2,173,089 by 30 April. The total does not include pension contributions or expenses accrued by the Crown Office. The inquiry has already led to high-profile arrests, including charges against Peter Murrell, husband of Nicola Sturgeon, for allegedly embezzling nearly £460,000 from the party. More than £100,000 of the total cost, specifically £100,498, was spent on overtime for officers over five years. Scottish Labour criticised the investigation for adding financial strain to the national police force.

"Police Scotland has incurred costs exceeding 2 million in its ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances, a probe that has already led to high-profile arrests. Operation Branchform, launched in 2021 to scrutinise the SNP's funding, had accumulated a bill of 2,173,089 by 30 April, according to figures released in response to a freedom of information request. This sum does not account for pension contributions or expenses accrued by the Crown Office."

"Among those implicated in the inquiry is Peter Murrell, the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, who has been charged with allegedly embezzling nearly 460,000 from the party. The former SNP chief executive is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Over 100,000 of the investigation's total cost, specifically 100,498, has been spent on overtime for officers since the inquiry began five years ago."

"Scottish Labour has voiced strong criticism, arguing that the investigation places additional financial strain on the country's national police force. Pauline McNeill, the party's justice spokeswoman, stated: "Given the dire state of th""

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