Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been charged in connection to the embezzlement SNP donations worth approximately £660K ($821K).

BBC News

Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been charged with embezzlement in connection to SNP donations worth approximately £660K ($821K).

Police Scotland announced having been arrested on Thursday at 9:13AM, a 59-year-old man was charged at 6:35PM the same day after further questioning concerning "the funding and finances of the party."

Police Scotland

Murrell, who became SNP chief executive in 1999, stepped down from the role in Mar. 2023 – a month after Nicola Sturgeon, elected as Scotland's first minister in 2014, also announced her own resignation.

The two have been married since 2010. Following their resignations, both Murrell (Apr. 2023) and Sturgeon (Jun. 2023) were arrested in connection to the police investigation before being released without charge.

The Herald

The police inquiry began in July 2021 concerning the alleged improper use of party donations intended to be used for campaigning towards Scottish independence. The investigation has also included the arrest and release of former party treasurer and current Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) Colin Beattie.

Sky News

Reacting to the announcement, an SNP spokesperson stated that while the charge has "come as a shock," the ongoing nature of the police investigation meant it would be "inappropriate" to comment further.

Peter Murrell Charged with Embezzlement in SNP Finance Probe

Peter Murrell Charged with Embezzlement in SNP Finance Probe

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Peter Murrell Charged with Embezzlement in SNP Finance Probe

Peter Murrell Charged with Embezzlement in SNP Finance Probe

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