Police are looking into missing funds

Nathan Sparling, the controversial former chief executive of HIV Scotland, has been charged with fraud.

Last week the charity announced its closure citing irrevocable governance issues.

Sparling, who was also SNP MSP Angus Robertson’s campaign manager, had previously been cleared of taking photos of a half-naked friend who was asleep at his flat while he served as CEO of the charity.

He is now facing fraud charges over missing funds belonging to HIV Scotland.

A police spokeswoman said: “In February 2021, we received a report of a ­possible fraud at a ­premises in York Place, Edinburgh.

“Enquiries were carried out and a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with ­financial offences. A report was sent to the procurator fiscal.”

The details of the charges aren’t clear. However In April 2021, HIV Scotland undertook an independent governance review following concerns about overspending.

Five board members also stepped down after new chief ­executive Alastair Hudson replaced Sparling in ­January, while six out of seven staff resigned or were made redundant.

HIV Scotland’s accounts state: ­“During the year to March 31, 2021, the former CEO was advanced funds amounts to £11,540 and repayments of £5012 were received leaving a balance due from the CEO of £6298 at the year-end.

“During the year to March 31, 2021, the ­former CEO resigned.”

The charity, which was forced to close last month, was set up as the Scottish Voluntary HIV and AIDS Forum in 1994 and was at the vanguard of prevention and treatment initiatives for the virus in Scotland.

HIV Scotland's self-testing services are now closed.

A statement from the charity's board members posted on its website said: "Due to a number of significant challenges, the board has taken the incredibly difficult decision to wind-up the charity.

"HIV Scotland has been operating within a complex and challenging environment. "

In 2021, HIV Scotland was fined £10,000 after it sent out an email containing the personal details of dozens of people.

The data protection breach involved an email to 105 people, including patient advocates representing people living in Scotland with HIV.

An OSCR spokesman said: “OSCR is aware of these matters and we have engaged with the charity. We cannot ­comment any further at this time.”

The Crown Office said: “A report ­regarding a 32-year-old man has been received and is under ­consideration by the ­procurator fiscal.”