Northern Ireland

Almost 30 people targeted in latest social media campaign

Allegations have been shared on WhatsApp
Allegations have been shared on WhatsApp Allegations have been shared on WhatsApp

ALMOST 30 people have been targeted in a social media campaign alleging they are linked to criminal activity.

One document, which is more than 5,000 words long, and has been circulated widely on WhatsApp, is headed “republican movement notice” and signed by “official movement”.

The post singles out 17 people alleged to be involved in a range of criminal activity including drug dealing.

Other people are also named in the post.

A second message circulated identifies a further ten people.

Concern over the claims comes just weeks after the Irish News revealed that almost 40 people in south Armagh had also been targeted in an anonymous social media post.

The latest document claims to provides information on where some of those singled out live, their alleged links to local businesses and the make and registration numbers of their cars.

The dossier also alleges some of those identified are working as PSNI informers.

It is claimed several of those listed also use encrypted phones to carry out their activities and that some have been targeted by Operation Venetic – an investigation led by the National Crime Agency linked to the European wide infiltration of the Encrochat communications network.

One of those named is also alleged to have links with a well-known crime family in Co Limerick.

The majority of those named in the document are from south Armagh and Newry area of Co Down.

A separate document, which has also been widely distributed, focuses on the activities of people alleged to be involved in dealing in south Armagh.

It is claimed that one alleged dealer lives close to a school and visits housing estates selling door to door.

Other alleged dealers are said to do their business from a church car park.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, who represents some of those named on previous lists, said “it remains of paramount concern that information of this kind is being shared widely on social media platforms.

“The circulation of information of this kind comes at a risk to the potential of pursuing criminal justice sanctions."

Mr Mackin said such posts could also undermine the legal process.

“When information of this kind is circulated, if it is untrue, those directly affected persons retain the right to take proceedings for the damage to their reputation,” he said.

“In the alternative, the accused if charged may seek to utilise same to undermine the fairness of a criminal trial process.”

A spokesman for the PSNI said “police are aware of comments on social media and enquiries are ongoing”.

The latest lists come just weeks after the Irish News revealed that 38 people in south Armagh were targeted in an anonymous social media post.

Details emerged as the PSNI seized suspected cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of £50,000 in the Silverbridge area.

At the time Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady was critical of the social media post.

"Anonymous social media posts which have been widely shared making broad sweeping allegations about involvement in the drug trade are irresponsible," he said.