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The man who called in police over the SNP’s finances has told Sky News “delays” in the long-running fraud investigation threatens the future of the Scottish independence movement.
Campaigner Sean Clerkin triggered the probe more than three years ago after phoning detectives with concerns about more than £600,000 that had been fundraised for a second referendum.
Officers previously defended the duration of the inquiry, dubbed Operation Branchform, suggesting it had “moved beyond” the initial complaint.
Nicola Sturgeon‘s husband Peter Murrell has been charged with embezzlement by detectives.
However, prosecutors at the Crown Office have not yet said when, or if, they will bring the former SNP chief executive to court.
Ms Sturgeon, Scotland‘s longest-serving first minister, was arrested and released without charge in 2023. Her Glasgow home was raided by police and an evidence tent was erected in her front garden.
The 54-year-old was detained months after leaving office, but has always insisted she has done nothing wrong.
Sturgeon remains a suspect, but officers are currently seeking guidance from the prosecution service on what their next move should be.
Devout independence supporter Sean Clerkin has told Sky News he has been “persecuted” and received death threats for being the person who initially lodged the allegations with police.
The campaigner described frustration at what he feels has been a protracted process.
He said: “All these years down the line I have been persecuted by nationalists who have persecuted me on social media and at rallies.
“Threatening to do me in, threatened to take me out and I have had death threats.
“This case has to be wound up by the end of this year. In terms of the investigation for us to have free and fair elections in 2026 without this…
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