Northern Ireland

Man (56) arrested on suspicion of fraud and money-laundering-related offences

Detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit yesterday conducted a number of searches in Belfast and Co Antrim
Detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit yesterday conducted a number of searches in Belfast and Co Antrim Detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit yesterday conducted a number of searches in Belfast and Co Antrim

A 56-year-old man arrested on suspicion of fraud and money-laundering-related offences last night remained in police custody.

The man was arrested by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit who conducted a number of searches in Belfast and Co Antrim.

Across the locations searched, a significant quantity of suspected counterfeit cigarettes, small quantities of suspected Class A and Class B drugs and cash were recovered and seized for further examination.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Griffin said: "The arrest and searches carried out today are part of our ongoing investigation relating to fraud and money-laundering activity involving significant sums of money, which we believe is being used to fund criminal behaviour linked to the New IRA.

"We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to reduce the threat posed by violent dissident republicans and I would encourage anyone with information in relation to the New IRA to contact police."