Former Scottish leader detained in corruption investigation

In April, Nicola Sturgeon resigned as the first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party.

In connection with an ongoing investigation into claims that the Scottish National Party (SNP) engaged in financial misconduct, the former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, was detained on Sunday.

According to a statement from Police Scotland, “a 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, June 11, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.” The suspect is still in custody and being questioned by police, it was added.

Later, a representative for Sturgeon confirmed that she had been detained and was aiding the investigation.

“Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday, June 11, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform,” the statement said.

“Nicola has consistently stated that, if requested, she would cooperate with the investigation, and she still does so.”

Sturgeon was released “without charge pending further investigation” after spending more than seven hours in custody and being interrogated by the detectives, according to Police Scotland.

Peter Murrell, a former SNP executive who was married to the former first minister, was detained in April, the same month that Sturgeon resigned as first minister and SNP leader after announcing her resignation in February.

The third arrest has been made as part of Police Scotland’s “Operation Branchform,” which is looking into allegations that the SNP misused $754,00 in political donations from supporters meant to be used in a campaign to support independence from London.

Colin Beattie, the party’s treasurer, was also detained as part of the investigation in April. He was let go without being charged.

Prior to this, police conducted warrantless searches of Sturgeon and Murrell’s shared residence as well as the SNP headquarters, seizing records and electronic equipment.

In its statement on Sunday, Police Scotland added that “a report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service” and that the “public are advised to exercise caution if discussing the matter on social media” because the “matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.”