The ongoing police investigation known as Operation Branchform has been a major point of discussion in Scottish politics for the past four years. The investigation was initiated by Police Scotland in 2021 in response to complaints regarding the handling of approximately £600,000 in independence referendum donations by the SNP. The investigation has caused significant concern among senior Nationalists, who are eager to see the case come to a resolution.
The donations under investigation were received by the SNP from pro-independence activists between 2017 and 2021. Activists raised alarms when the funds did not appear in the party’s official accounts, prompting them to file complaints with the police. The investigation has now extended into its fifth year, with no clear end in sight.
Key figures involved in the investigation include Nicola Sturgeon, who was the SNP leader at the time the donations were received, and her husband Peter Murrell, who served as the party’s chief executive. Both Sturgeon and Murrell were arrested in 2023 in connection with the probe, along with former SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie. Despite the arrests, no charges have been brought against them.
One significant development in the case involved a luxury campervan owned by the SNP, which was seized by police during the investigation. The campervan, valued at approximately £110,000, was taken from a property in Fife linked to Sturgeon and Murrell.
As of August last year, Police Scotland had expended around £2m on Operation Branchform and had completed their inquiries. A comprehensive report was submitted to the Crown Office, and the force is currently awaiting further directives. The investigation involves a team of eleven officers dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the alleged financial discrepancies.
In response to the ongoing investigation, Nicola Sturgeon has maintained her innocence and emphasized her commitment to getting on with her responsibilities as a Member of the Scottish Parliament. Despite facing personal and political challenges, Sturgeon has expressed her desire for the case to run its course.
Recently, Peter Murrell faced a setback as a court order prohibited him from selling any of his properties following his arrest and subsequent charges related to Operation Branchform. This move was initiated by the Crown Office as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
In summary, the Operation Branchform investigation continues to be a focal point in Scottish politics, with key figures like Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell at the center of the probe. The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political financing and the need for thorough investigations to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.