Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte to sue Police Scotland and Crown Office over 'malicious prosecution'

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has launched a £10m legal claim against the Crown Office and Police Scotland over allegations of “malicious prosecution”.

The businessman was arrested in 2015 over an alleged “fraudulent” purchase of the Ibrox club from Sir David Murray for £1 four years earlier, but was cleared in 2017.

The 51-year-old is now seeking settlements similar to those paid to Charles Green – who led the group that purchased the club following financial meltdown in 2012 – and administrators David Whitehouse and Paul Clark.

Green received £6.4m in compensation after being arrested over the purchase but never standing trial, while Whitehouse and Clark received a combined £24m.

The Crown Office later admitted the pair, who worked for administrators Duff and Phelps, had been the target of malicious prosecution attempts.

Whyte was believed to be biding his time until the outcome of those cases was known.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Should it be pursued it’ll be actively and fully defended.”

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service added: “Proceedings are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment in detail at this time.

“The Crown will support a judge-led inquiry into these cases in due course.”