POLICE Scotland’s inquiry into the handling of the investigation and prosecution of the Lockerbie bombing case has found no evidence of criminality.
Operation Sandwood, which looked at nine allegations made by the Justice for Megrahi campaign group, spent the last four years examining the allegations.
The dedicated team of detectives that led the inquiry has has its findings validated by a senior Queen’s Counsel, entirely unconnected with and acting independently from the Crown Office.
READ MORE: Lockerbie: Alex Salmond responds to questions of campaigners
“Officers carried out a methodical and rigorous inquiry using our major investigation framework under the direction of an experienced Senior Investigating Officer," said Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.
"I have had oversight of the investigation since its outset.
“The substance of the allegations were diverse in nature and the sheer scale and complexity of the task has resulted in a particularly protracted enquiry which has taken longer than originally thought."
Livingstone added that the length of time dedicated to the inquiry reflects the hard work and professionalism of the officers involved, as well as their meticulous approach.
“I have written to the Lord Advocate to inform him Operation Sandwood is now complete and that there is no evidence of criminality and therefore no basis to submit a standard prosecution report," he said.
“The material collated during the inquiry and the findings and conclusions reached have relevance to both the ongoing live investigation and the potential appeal against conviction lodged on behalf of the late Mr Megrahi.
"The materials have therefore been handed to Crown Office officials.”
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