Police Scotland passes SNP fraud investigation progress report to Crown Office as part of probe

Police probing fraud claims involving fundraising against the SNP have passed a dossier of information to the Crown Office.

Officers investigating allegations that £600,000 of party funds raised by activists to continue the campaign for Scottish independence have “gone missing” say a progress report had been submitted before Nicola Sturgeon left office as First Minister.

Sturgeon previously rejected the claims, insisting she is “not concerned” about the party’s finances.

Police Scotland previously stated that a fraud allegation relating to the funds was “still being assessed to determine if an investigation is required”.

A formal investigation started in July 2021 after at least 19 criminal complaints were made.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A report which outlines enquiries already undertaken and seeks further instruction has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“We are working closely with COPFS as the investigation continues.”

Sturgeon’s successor, Humza Yousaf, said he would be “transparent” with the party’s finances after he was declared winner of the SNP leadership election.

He added he would not comment on a live investigation, though said he needed to “get up to speed” with the SNP’s fiscal picture.

An SNP spokesperson said: “We will cooperate fully with the police investigation and will make no further comment.”