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A LABOUR minister has suggested the UK’s National Crime Agency would be up for helping Police Scotland with their long-running SNP finance probe.
The issue was raised in the House of Lords after it emerged earlier this month that cops are frustrated by the time being taken over the investigation into alleged embezzlement from the party.
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Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was charged in April this year in connection with alleged embezzlement from the party.
Meanwhile, ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie remain under investigation over allegations linked to the spending of around £600,000 of crowdfunded donations to Nats for an indy push, first launched in 2021.
During questions in the Lords on Thursday, Labour Peer Lord Foulkes asked: “While justice is devolved, there is great concern here in the rest of the United Kingdom about the fact that Operation Branchform, which is dealing with very serious matters of fraud, of embezzlement, and of signature-copying, has taken over three years now.
“It’s in no-one’s interest that it should drag on and on and on. So, if Police Scotland ask us to provide specialist help from the National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office, can we give them that help?”
Labour minister Baroness Anderson responded: “I am of course aware of the Police Scotland investigation into the Scottish National Party, however it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an investigation that is currently ongoing, and operational decisions are a matter for Police Scotland.
“Of course, if they were to make such requests, I’m sure that every agency would wish to assist.”
The National Crime Agency is the UK’s lead agency against serious and organised crime, having been set up in 2013.
Scottish prosecutors are currently deciding whether there is enough evidence to prosecute Mr Murrell, and whether it is in the public interest to do so.
In May, they said: “This evaluation will involve a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police.
“Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision.”
There were reports in January this year that detectives were examining claims that signatures on financial documents had been forged.
As we revealed earlier this month (OCT), cops are “frustrated” about the slow progress of the investigation into alleged embezzlement from the SNP.
Calum Steele, the former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation which represents rank and file officers, said officers believe the Crown Office is trying to “drag the inquiry out”.
He added: “The police service will be delighted that attention is finally on the Crown as they felt frustrated that the COPFS was trying to drag the inquiry out by asking the police to do more and more. Now, only they can answer why the delay.”