Police looking into the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party have provided an update on their investigation. 

The force revealed that a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal in relation to enquiries into Peter Murrell.

The 59-year-old former SNP chief executive and husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and charged after questioning by detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.

A spokesperson said on Thursday: "Police Scotland has today (Thursday, May 23, 2024) submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on April 18, 2024, in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

"Investigations continue and we are unable to comment further."

A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) spokesperson said: “A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.

“Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.

“Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report. They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

“Before deciding what action to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence. There must be evidence from at least two separate sources to establish that a crime was committed and that the person under investigation was the perpetrator.

“This evaluation will involve a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police. Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision.

“Decisions on how to proceed are taken by prosecutors acting independently and are based upon available evidence, legal principles, and the merits of each case. They are not influenced by political events.”