Prosecutors examine file on ‘missing’ SNP £600k
POLICE investigating allegations that cash donated to a £600,000 SNP fundraising drive has gone missing have handed a report to prosecutors.
The Mail has learned that detectives have asked the Crown Office for ‘further instruction’ over the long-running criminal fraud probe, launched in July 2021.
They are looking at claims that cash earmarked for campaigning for a second independence referendum had been diverted – and have now asked the Crown for ‘advice and direction’.
The Supreme Court ruled in November last year that another vote on independence, ordered by the Scottish Government, would be unlawful and could only take place with Westminster’s consent.
Last night Police Scotland said: ‘A report which outlines inquiries already undertaken and seeks further instruction has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
‘We are working closely with COPFS as the investigation continues.’
A spokesman for the Crown Office said it had received ‘a Police Scotland request for advice and direction’, adding: ‘COPFS will continue to work with police in this ongoing investigation.’
Detectives said at the start of the fraud inquiry that it was focused on seven complaints and had been launched after initial consultation with prosecutors.
Since 2017, the SNP has used fundraising websites to collect more than £660,000 for use specifically on a campaign for a second independence referendum. But the party had just £96,000 in the bank at the end of 2019. That led to some independence supporters contacting police, accusing the SNP of behaving fraudulently. Nicola Sturgeon has previously denied any money has gone missing.
Two of her MPs – Douglas Chapman and Joanna Cherry – quit the ruling National Executive Committee in May 2021, citing a lack of transparency from the party.
At that point, Police Scotland said it was assessing a fraud allegation in order ‘to determine if an investigation is required’.
In July 2021, a spokesman said: ‘Police Scotland has now received seven complaints in relation to donations that were made to the Scottish National Party. After assessment and consultation with the COPFS, we will now carry out an investigation.’
In June 2021, the First Minister said: ‘The finances of the SNP are independently audited, our accounts are sent to the Electoral Commission... so there’s full scrutiny around that. Money hasn’t gone missing.’
Last year an SNP spokesman said: ‘We will co-operate fully with any investigation... All sums raised for independence campaigning will be spent on independence campaigning.’ The SNP was contacted for comment last night.
‘Request for advice and direction’