MORE fraud complaints have been made to Police Scotland into potential criminality involving SNP fundraising, it has been reported.
We previously told how the force, which has been assessing a fraud allegation made by a member of the public since late March, said it has escalated its work after consulting with prosecutors.
According to The Mail on Sunday, police are now reportedly investigating 12 new fraud complaints as part of their probe into missing donations.
This is further to the original seven fraud complaints reportedly previously.
It follows the SNP raising more than £660,000 since 2017 specifically to fight an indyref2 campaign, but spending some of the money on other things in the absence of another independence vote.
READ MORE: Police announce formal investigation into SNP fundraising
The party has now pledged to spend an “equivalent" sum on a second referendum, but refused to formallly identify this money in its annual accounts for 2020.
In March, three members of the SNP’s finance and audit committee quit amid complaints about being denied access to the accounts.
In May, new SNP treasurer Douglas Chapman MP also quit, complaining a lack of transparency had stopped him carrying out his “fiduciary duties”.
SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC quit the party’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee, the same month, again citing issues with transparency and scrutiny.
Treasurer Colin Beattie MSP later insisted “amounts equivalent to the sums raised” would be spent on campaigning in future.
Until now, Police Scotland has said it has been assessing “a complaint of alleged financial irregularity”.
Stephen Kerr MSP, the Scottish Conservatives chief whip, said: "It speaks volumes that even the SNP’s national treasurer can’t get the party to open the books. There are obvious questions that the leadership have yet to answer for members and even their own politicians.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “We will cooperate fully with the police investigation, and will make no further comment.”
READ MORE: New SNP treasurer to be quizzed by NEC over £600k raised for indyref2
Last week, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police Scotland has now received seven complaints in relation to donations that were made to the Scottish National Party.
"After assessment and consultation with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, we will now carry out an investigation.
"Enquiries are continuing and anyone who has any information which may assist with this investigation is asked to contact police."
Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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