Scotland’s ex-first minister and former SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has been taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives in reference to the continuing investigation into the Scottish National Party’s finances. The 52-year-old is the latest high-profile figure to be detained as a half of Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform, which is examining the whereabouts of £600,000 of funding earmarked for a second independence vote.
In a statement, Police Scotland confirmed the arrest and mentioned, “The girl is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. A report shall be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.” Sturgeon’s spokesperson stated that she had attended an interview with the police by association, and that she “has constantly mentioned she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to take action.”
Operation Branchform is investigating complaints that the ringfenced cash may have been used improperly by being spent elsewhere. No questions asked ’s arrest follows the detainment of celebration treasurer Colin Beattie and former get together chief government Peter Murrell, who is also Sturgeon’s husband. Both Beattie and Murrell were launched with out cost. Police had previously searched SNP headquarters and the couple’s house as a half of the investigation.
A luxury £100,000 motorhome was additionally seized from outdoors the home of Murrell’s mother in Dunfermline, Fife. The SNP has stated that it has been “cooperating fully” with the investigation and will “continue to do so.”
Sturgeon’s arrest further intensifies the scandal surrounding Scotland’s largest political get together. She stepped down as party chief and first minister in February, citing the toll the job had taken on her and those around her. However, Murrell’s arrest months later created turmoil that has overshadowed the brand new management of Humza Yousaf, who was elected to replace Sturgeon in a contentious management race in March..