MP reported after mortgage fraud inquiry
● MP named in police report on allegations of mortgage fraud
Police investigating a solicitor over “alleged irregularities” relating to property deals linked to MP Michelle Thomson have submitted a report to prosecutors.
Christopher Hales was struck off in 2014 over several transactions carried out by a property firm in which Ms Thomson was a partner in 2010-11.
Ms Thomson withdrew herself from the SNP whip at Westminster after details of the investigation emerged. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Prosecutors are considering a report naming Michelle Thomson MP following a police investigation into alleged mortgage fraud.
The independent member for Edinburgh West was one of five people named in a report submitted by police following a 15 month-long probe.
Police Scotland confirmed it had handed over information to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service “in relation to an investigation into alleged mortgage fraud”.
Ms Thomson voluntarily attended a police interview as part of the investigation in October, it was revealed. She has said she “always acted within the law”.
Prosecutors last year instructed police to carry out an investigation following claims about property deals involving a solicitor, Christopher Hales. Mr Hales was struck off by the Scottish Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal in 2014 in connection with 13 transactions conducted by a property firm in which Ms Thomson was a partner in 2010-11.
Properties were allegedly purchased at low prices from families seeking a quick sale before being resold.
The MP resigned the SNP whip and had her party membership automatically suspended in September last year following the announcement of the police investigation.
Three months ago, before ms Thomson was interviewed by investigators, The Scotsman revealed that SNP MPS had asked the party’s executive to consider reinstating her.
At a meeting of the SNP Westminster group, a motion claiming Ms Thomson had been “denied natural justice” was given unanimous backing.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report concerning four men aged 48, 56, 59 and 59 and one woman aged 51 in relation to alleged incidents between 16/06/10 and 26/07/11.
“The report remains under the consideration of the Procurator Fiscal.” A spokeswoman for Ms Thomson said: “Michelle Thomson MP voluntarily attended an interview with Police Scotland on October 13 to assist in the ongoing investigation into solicitor Christopher Hales.
“No charges were brought and, as is standard under Scottish legal procedure, a report has now been submitted to the Crown Office.
“She looks forward to a conclusion on this matter at the earliest opportunity.”