Police sources have claimed that officials from the Scottish National Party (SNP) were "unhelpful" and "obstructive" during the investigation into the party's finances, according to reports.
Detectives reportedly sought warrants for specific documents due to alleged "delay tactics" and a refusal to hand over information. An insider claimed that the investigation took longer than necessary due to these actions. The source further alleged that the party was "not just unhelpful, but obstructive" at various stages of the inquiry.
This comes after the SNP's former chief executive, Peter Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party's coffers between 2010 and 2022. Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for the crime in June.
First Minister John Swinney has previously refused demands for a separate inquiry into the matter, stating that the existing police investigation was sufficient. He has characterized the SNP as a victim in the embezzlement case. However, the party had previously asserted it was "co-operating fully" with the investigation.
Reports also indicate a plan to re-interview Sturgeon was dropped after discussions with the Crown Office. Police had previously stated that Sturgeon would not face further action. Despite pledges to publish a written statement she provided to police after her initial arrest, her lawyer has stated the document will not be made public, asserting it was provided to assist police and not for public scrutiny.
The police insider suggested that the lengthy duration of Operation Branchform, launched in 2021 following a complaint about missing funds, was partly due to the delaying tactics employed by the SNP. The cost of the criminal investigation has reportedly risen to approximately £3.5 million, with expenditure by prosecutors and Police Scotland totaling around £3.4 million.
An SNP spokesperson stated that a comprehensive investigation was conducted by Police Scotland, which examined all relevant aspects. The spokesperson added that the inquiry uncovered that the SNP had been the victim of embezzlement by its former chief executive.