The SNP Government has refused to comment on whether it is aware of the identities of police officers investigating Operation Branchform.
Angela Constance, the Justice Secretary, said she would not comment on live cases and had "nothing further to add" when quizzed on the matter by MSP Craig Hoy today.
Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021 to investigate how the SNP spent more than £600,000 of donations the party said would be earmarked for referendum campaigning.
The Record previously revealed last month how 11 detectives are currently working full-time on the inquiry, which is now Police Scotland's longest running investigation.
Hoy asked Constance if the Government had been made aware of the identities of the officers involved. The minister replied: "This matter is subject to an on-going police investigation and as such it would not be appropriate to comment."
Hoy responded: "While the Crown Office determines whether to prosecute Peter Murrell, and the police decide whether to charge Nicola Sturgeon, the public continue to scratch their head in disbelief at the 1,273 days spent so far on Operation Branchform.
"We now know that 11 officers are engaged in the on-going investigation. Separately, a Freedom of Information request recently asked the Scottish Government if, and when, they found out the identities of the investigating officers, and how they came to be made aware of those details.
"The request also asked what procedures were in place to ensure meetings with these officers did not occur by accident. In response, the Government said giving answers would, and I quote, 'substantially prejudice the investigation' - which strongly suggests the Government may well be aware of those facts.
"So can the Minister explain, why revealing the specific date when officers' identities could have become known, would risk prejudicing the police probe, and if the Government has nothing to hide, why would it not confirm how it may have secured the identities of the investigating officers, if it is indeed in receipt of them?"
Constance replied: "With respect to the Chamber, as the member is well aware, as Justice Secretary, I do not comment and I am not involved in live cases."
The investigation ramped up in April last year when Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, was charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the party.
He was previously arrested as a suspect in April 2023 before being released without charge, while the house he shared with his wife Nicola Sturgeon was searched by officers for two days.
The former first minister was arrested and questioned by detectives in June 2023. She was released without charge and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Colin Beattie, a former SNP treasurer, was also arrested and questioned in 2023 before being released without charge.
Police Scotland said it had presented the findings of its investigation to the Crown Office and was now awaiting direction from prosecutors.
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