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 funds. The 52-year-old is the latest high-profile figure to be detained as a part of Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform, which is analyzing the whereabouts of £600,000 of funding earmarked for a second independence vote.
In a statement, Police Scotland confirmed the arrest and mentioned, “The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. A report shall be despatched 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 said she would co-operate with the investigation if requested and continues to take action.”
No sweat is investigating complaints that the ringfenced money might have been used improperly by being spent elsewhere. Sturgeon’s arrest follows the detainment of get together treasurer Colin Beattie and former get together chief executive Peter Murrell, who can be Sturgeon’s husband. Both Beattie and Murrell have been launched without cost. Police had beforehand searched SNP headquarters and the couple’s residence as part of the investigation.
A luxury £100,000 motorhome was additionally seized from exterior the house of Murrell’s mother in Dunfermline, Fife. The SNP has stated that it has been “cooperating fully” with the investigation and can “continue to take action.”
Sturgeon’s arrest further intensifies the scandal surrounding Scotland’s largest political party. She stepped down as get together chief and first minister in February, citing the toll the job had taken on her and those round her. However, Murrell’s arrest months later created turmoil that has overshadowed the new leadership of Humza Yousaf, who was elected to replace Sturgeon in a contentious management race in March..