RANGERS' new owners have welcomed the criminal investigation launched into Craig Whyte's takeover of the club last year.
It followed confirmation from the Crown Office that they had asked Strathclyde Police to probe the purchase and the club's subsequent financial management.
Mr Whyte, pictured, bought an 85% stake in Rangers from Sir David Murray for £1 in May 2011.
It later emerged that he was able to fund his takeover by selling future season tickets to London firm Ticketus in a £25.3million deal that wiped out the club's £18m debt to Lloyds Banking Group.
Rangers' new chairman Malcolm Murray said: "We welcome any investigation that examines events at the club and will offer every assistance.
"The rank and file Rangers fans are blameless.
"Rightly, they want answers and for those responsible for the club's fate in recent times to be held to account. Hopefully this investigation will assist in this."
The Crown Office confirmed an investigation is under way.
A spokesman said: "The investigation into alleged criminality follows a preliminary police examination of information passed to them in February by the club administrators.
"The procurator fiscal will now work with the Police to fully investigate the acquisition and financial management of Rangers Football Club and any related reports of alleged criminality during that process."
Rangers entered administration on February 14 over alleged non-payment of £9m in PAYE and VAT.
Administrators Duff & Phelps, who were nominated by Mr Whyte, have since negotiated a sale of the club's assets to a consortium led by Charles Green for £5.5m after creditors rejected a CVA.
Rangers is now in the process of being wound up and Duff & Phelps are to be replaced in their role in the coming weeks by HMRC's preferred liquidators BDO.
rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk