Peter Murrell accused of embezzling £459,000 from SNP funds, court papers say

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National party (SNP), has been accused of embezzling £459,046.49 from the party over more than 12 years, according to court documents reported ahead of a preliminary hearing.

Murrell, who was married to the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, is due to appear at the High Court in Glasgow next Friday.

What prosecutors say happened over 12 years

The indictment alleges embezzlement between 12 August 2010 and 13 January 2023. Court papers also accuse Murrell of using party money to buy personal items, including luxury goods, jewellery and cosmetics.

Murrell served as the SNP’s chief executive for 22 years. He has previously denied wrongdoing.

Motorhome and cars at the centre of the allegations

One of the most detailed allegations relates to a luxury motorhome. Court documents reported in the press say Murrell bought a Niesmann and Bischoff Smove 7.4e for £124,550 using SNP funds, allegedly for his personal use.

The papers also allege he used £57,500 of party money towards the purchase of an £81,000 Jaguar I-Pace in 2019.

Claims of “false” paperwork and invoices

The court documents accuse Murrell of creating “false” sales paperwork to present the motorhome purchase as a legitimate party expense, according to reports of the indictment.

Further allegations include “false invoices” linked to spending at Apple Retail and the German retailer Manufactum. Reports also say he used SNP funds to pay a parking ticket.

How the case links to Operation Branchform

Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, the Police Scotland investigation into SNP finances. He was charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

He made no plea during an earlier court appearance and was granted bail, according to reporting of the proceedings.