Police Scotland is investigating allegations concerning the disappearance of approximately £1.5 million linked to Yes Scotland Ltd, a pro-independence campaign group associated with Nicola Sturgeon. The inquiry arose from a complaint about missing funds recorded in the group’s accounts following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

Yes Scotland Ltd was established in 2012 under the leadership of then-First Minister Alex Salmond to advocate for Scottish independence. While it operated as a separate entity from the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon was a board member, and Shirley-Anne Somerville, currently Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, served as director of communities. The group ceased operations after Scotland voted against independence in the 2014 referendum.

The complaint was lodged by David Henry, a former SNP branch secretary who previously raised financial concerns that contributed to the downfall of Peter Murrell, Ms. Sturgeon’s estranged husband. Murrell was sentenced to over five years in prison for embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP during his tenure as chief executive, spending the stolen funds on luxury items, including gifts for Sturgeon. Nicola Sturgeon has denied any prior knowledge of Murrell’s criminal activities.

The current investigation concerns an unexplained £1,524,998 listed as “other income” in Yes Scotland’s 2014 financial accounts. Subsequent filings failed to reference this amount, and by 2016, the company’s records indicated a zero balance. The sudden disappearance of this significant sum has prompted renewed scrutiny.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that inquiries are ongoing following the receipt of the complaint. The developments intensify calls within Scottish political circles for a Holyrood inquiry into the financial scandals connected to Murrell, who was believed to have been involved in the management of Yes Scotland as well.

In response to the allegations, the SNP stated that Murrell’s criminal actions were uncovered through an extensive police investigation and characterized the party as the victim of embezzlement. Yes Scotland released a statement asserting that all funds had been accounted for and denied any wrongdoing.

The SNP has been contacted for further comment as the investigation continues.