The photographs released by police offer a glimpse into the lavish spending habits of Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The images, taken during an investigation that spanned nearly three years and cost an estimated £2 million, reveal a collection of high-value goods amassed by Murrell at his Glasgow home and other locations.
Among the items documented by police evidence tags were eleven unused Montblanc pens, including a white gold version valued at £4,225, alongside a £2,400 Smythson two-person tea set. Bremont watches, individually priced at £4,555.25 and £4,795, were also found, as well as various Le Creuset ramekins, all seemingly untouched. An Alessi teapot was recovered from Murrell's motorhome, parked at his mother's residence in Fife. The photos also show more mundane items, such as nine unused tubes of decorator's caulk, and an elaborate Netatmo Wi-Fi-enabled home weather station.
Detectives involved in the investigation have indicated that the recovered items represent only a fraction of Murrell's acquisitions. Many goods, including a set of Lalique Feuilles salt and pepper grinders valued at £2,618, were never found. Some items were reportedly given as gifts, with the exception of presents to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, which were recovered during police raids. These included a 9-carat gold and enamelled pendant. During police interviews, Murrell was reportedly challenged on spending over £19,000 on luxury pens, but he did not respond.
Murrell admitted in court last month to stealing goods valued at just over £400,135. However, it remains uncertain whether this inventory is complete, with detectives acknowledging the difficulty in recovering financial records and receipts dating back to 2010. The investigation involved extensive efforts by Police Scotland economic crime detectives and forensic accountants to verify purchases.
Operation Branchform was initiated in March 2021 following a complaint alleging the SNP had misused over £600,000 in donations intended for a referendum campaign. Initially a fraud investigation, it evolved into an embezzlement inquiry after prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove Sturgeon or the party knowingly deceived donors. Nicola Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing.