Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell – the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon – has been arrested following an investigation into the party’s finances.
Police Scotland announced on Wednesday that a 58-year-old man was in custody and being questioned by detectives as part of an ongoing probe.
Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses, including at Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home in Glasgow and at SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
What is the investigation all about?
Police Scotland and the Crown Office have been investigating the funding and finances of the SNP.
The long-running probe is linked to the spending of £600,000 raised by independence supporters to be used in a new campaign to leave the UK.
It is understood there have been complaints the ringfenced cash has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.
Ms Sturgeon announced her shock resignation in February after more than eight years as first minister. Humza Yousaf was formally sworn in as Scotland’s new leader last week.
Mr Murrell, who married Ms Sturgeon in 2010, resigned as SNP chief executive last month. He was forced to step down after shouldering the blame for the party’s misleading responses to the media over membership numbers.
Speaking to Sky News last month, Ms Sturgeon said the police probe played no part in her decision to step down.
In an interview with Beth Rigby, she was asked if she’d had any contact with officers as part of the investigation.
Ms Sturgeon responded: “No. I wouldn’t comment on any ongoing police investigation and I am not going to comment on this one.”
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Murrell arrested in connection with SNP funding and finances investigation
Police Scotland said a report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
A COPFS spokesperson added: “It is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the law officers.”
SNP response
An SNP spokesperson said: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.
“At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”
