Rangers takeover prosecution payouts set to top £53m after 'malicious' investigation 10 years ago

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The taxpayer faces a bill of £53 million after the "malicious" prosecution of seven individuals linked to the takeover of Rangers FC more than a decade ago.The latest figures reveal the huge cost of a decision to investigate those who took charge of the Govan club in the aftermath of its financial collapse in 2012.In a statement to the Record, the Crown Office today described the huge cost of the failed prosecutions as "regrettable".It insisted "significant steps to safeguard against similar situations arising again" had been taken.The botched investigation ultimately led to no convictions and only one individual - former Rangers owner Craig Whyte - was ever taken to court, where he was cleared by a jury of all charges in 2017.The Crown Office has so far paid out £52.2m to those who were wrongfully arrested as a result of the investigation - but the final bill is likely to be higher as it does not include the settlement and expenses awarded to the last of the complainers.There were fears the final bill for taxpayers could top £60m.

The new figures were revealed by the Scottish Parliament in a written answer to MSP Murdo Fraser.The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) also faces the prospect of a separate judge-led into why two men were wrongfully prosecuted during the fraud probe.The probe was announced in 2021 but could finally begin work later this year once all civil litigations against the Crown Office are completed.A COPFS spokesman said: "We appreciate that these costs are particularly regrettable given the pressure on public finances.

Throughout these cases we have sought to protect the public purse from avoidable costs. The Crown is committed to public scrutiny of these cases and more information