[Politics] Police consulted National Crime Agency over SNP probe

[[Depo] @ Cselites.com]

Police Scotland consulted the National Crime Agency about its investigation into the SNP's finances.

The BBC understands the national force asked the UK agency to carry out an independent review of its inquiry last year.

The terms and outcome of this exercise have not been made public.

The investigation has intensified since then with high profile arrests, searches and the seizure of a motorhome.

Former SNP spindoctor attacks 'grotesque' police probe
Colin Beattie resigns as SNP treasurer after arrest
Leaked video shows Sturgeon dismiss finance concern
Police sources said it was "good practice" in cases of this nature for the inquiry team to ask another force to double check their work.

This is known as a "peer review".

According to one senior police source, a peer review is typically "conducted to check on the status, strategy and direction of an investigation".

They added: "The review checks that the lines of inquiry are correct, that nothing has been missed and that the rationale is proportionate and necessary".

The National Crime Agency specialises in the investigation of serious and organised crime across the UK.

It is not otherwise involved in the investigation into the SNP's finances and fundraising, known as Operation Branchform.

That began in July 2021 following complaints about how more than £600,000 of donations for a future independence referendum were used.

The SNP's former chief executive Peter Murrell and the party's ex-treasurer Colin Beattie were arrested, questioned as suspects and released without charge.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-65513265