Overview
- Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling about £400,310.65 from the Scottish National Party and remains on remand ahead of a sentencing hearing set for 23 June.
- Prosecutors told Edinburgh High Court on Tuesday that Murrell used fake invoices, party charge cards and direct transfers to buy hundreds of personal items including a motorhome, cars and luxury goods.
- The SNP’s National Executive Committee unanimously authorised lawyers to seek a compensation order and bring civil claims to recover the stolen funds, a process party officials say could take years.
- First Minister John Swinney said party financial controls were not adequate and confirmed the SNP has begun discussions with HM Revenue & Customs about possible VAT or tax implications while he resists a parliamentary inquiry.
- The case grew from Operation Branchform, investigators say most thefts came from membership fees, donations and legacies, and the revelations have intensified calls for independent scrutiny and risk lasting reputational damage to senior SNP figures.