Home   News   Article

Police launch Operation Sabine in bid to uncover fresh information on Alistair Wilson’s murder in Nairn





Detectives leading the reinvestigation into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson have launched a new online appeal in a bid to uncover new information on the case.

Alistair Wilson and his family.
Alistair Wilson and his family.

Dad-of-two Mr Wilson died after being shot on the doorstep of his home in the town’s Crescent Road on 28 November, 2004.

On the 20th anniversary of his murder, a new Major Investigation Public Portal (MIPP) web portal has been launched, allowing anyone to contact them directly and submit files or information to the team anonymously if they wish.

A team of 14 officers are now working on Operation Sabine, the reinvestigation of Alistair’s death, with more officers being drafted on to the enquiry in the coming weeks.

This comes as relations between Mr Wilson’s family - his widow Veronica (53) and two sons - and police appear to have deteriorated over the years, with one senior officer working on the case having been recently found guilty of misconduct.

Earlier this week, a former Metropolitan Police detective has claimed that an old man was spotted weeping on a bench shortly after Mr Wilson was shot dead.

Detective Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow said: “The team reinvestigating Alistair’s murder are absolutely committed to doing everything they can to get justice for his family.

“We are exploring all new opportunities available to us, including advanced technology around forensics and DNA analysis.

“Alistair’s wife Veronica, their two sons and wider family, have suffered 20 years of pain and their unanswered questions about why he was murdered and who was responsible remain.

“The thoughts of everyone at Police Scotland are very much with them at this time and we are keeping them informed of any updates we have as the reinvestigation progresses.

Alistair Wilson.
Alistair Wilson.

“I am determined that the passage of time is no barrier to justice and we are absolutely committed to finding out who was responsible and bringing them to justice.

“The new Major Investigation Public Portal is another option for the public to send us information directly and anonymously if they wish.

“A significant anniversary such as this will prompt further discussion both in the local community and across the country around this investigation and I would urge anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be - to speak to us and help get justice for Alistair’s family.”

The team, drawn from a range of specialisms across Police Scotland, including complex investigations, homicide and murder enquiries, forensics and intelligence gathering, are dedicated to the investigation into Alistair’s murder.

In September this year the Lord Advocate announced a reinvestigation of the case with new teams of officers and prosecutors.

Detectives will examine all evidence gathered over the last 20 years, as well as investigating new opportunities for fresh lines of enquiry, such as advances in technology and forensic testing.

Around 10,000 documents, including approximately 6,000 statements will be re-examined, along with nearly 14,000 actions carried out by police since the shooting.

The Op Sabine Major Investigation Public Portal (MIPP) can be accessed here.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More