Scottish police charged Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), on Thursday in connection with the alleged embezzlement of funds from the SNP. Murrell is also the husband of former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon. A report on the matter will now be sent to the to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service who will determine if the case goes to court.

Current First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousef stated that the allegations of embezzlement are a “really serious and concerning matter.” However, he also warned against further comment as he wishes to “let the police do their job” in the ongoing investigation.

Police investigations into the SNP’s finances began in July 2021 after receiving complaints about how donations to the party were used. The allegations surround an amount of more than £660,000 which was raised through donations to the party and intended for use in a new independence referendum campaign.

Murrell was first arrested and interviewed as a suspect by Police Scotland detectives in April 2023 at the home he shared with Sturgeon in Glasgow, but he was released later that day, pending further investigation. Sturgeon was then arrested herself two months later in June 2023. However, she was also released without facing any charges. There is speculation that Sturgeon’s unexpected resignation in February 2023 was partially linked to the investigations of herself and Murrell over the management of SNP finances.

Importantly, the police statements involving the matter have all contained reminders that the matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981. The police also advised the public to exercise caution if discussing the investigation on social media.