Campaigner Sean Clerkin triggered the probe greater than three years in the past after phoning detectives with considerations about greater than £600,000 that had been fundraised for a second referendum.
Officers beforehand defended the period of the inquiry, dubbed Operation Branchform, suggesting it had “moved beyond” the preliminary criticism.
Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell has been charged with embezzlement by detectives.
Nevertheless, prosecutors on the Crown Workplace haven’t but mentioned when, or if, they’ll convey the previous SNP chief govt to court docket.
Ms Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving first minister, was arrested and launched with out cost in 2023. Her Glasgow dwelling was raided by police and an proof tent was erected in her entrance backyard.
The 54-year-old was detained months after leaving workplace, however has at all times insisted she has finished nothing improper.
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Then Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell in 2022. File pic: PA
Sturgeon stays a suspect, however officers are presently searching for steering from the prosecution service on what their subsequent transfer needs to be.
The campaigner described frustration at what he feels has been a protracted course of.
He mentioned: “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’ve had loss of life 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 hanging over any of the pro-independence parties.”
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Sean Clerkin (left) meets former SNP chief Alex Salmond in 2011. Pic: PA/Danny Lawson
The Crown Workplace is presently inspecting a report on the high-profile case from police.
A spokesman mentioned: “Before deciding what action to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence.
“There have to be proof from at the least two separate sources to determine {that a} crime was dedicated and that the particular person below investigation was the perpetrator.”
He mentioned: “Once somebody is charged then they have the right to a trial within a reasonable time.
“Earlier than an individual is formally charged, there could be an argument as as to whether the clock is effectively working.
He continued: “There is absolutely no doubt that it is running in relation to Mr Murrell, so certainly the police and Crown office have to be alive to that.
“The police inquiry can not go on indefinitely.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “Whereas the police investigation has reportedly been accomplished and handed over to the Crown Workplace, the case stays energetic and it might be inappropriate to remark.”
