THE Department of Justice has requested information from a local authority at the centre of a growing funding controversy.
The Irish News revealed last week that mobile phones belonging to a DUP councillor at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have been seized by the PSNI.
The devices belonging to councillor George Duddy and his former election agent Leanne Abernethy were taken by detectives last month.
Both are members of the Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
A third mobile phone has also been seized.
In a statement, a PSNI spokesman said that as part of an "ongoing investigation detectives seized mobile phones from three individuals" in the Ballymoney, Coleraine and Derry areas on Thursday and Friday of last week. Police have yet to provide any further details about the probe.
Independent councillor Padraig McShane later said the investigation is linked to funding at Causeway Coast and Glens council. Mr McShane last night claimed that DoJ officials have now requested an unpublished council report compiled by an independent accountancy firm and linked to funding related issues. The councillor added that the report highlights conflicts of interest linked to the district's PCSP and that it has been recommended that it be brought to the attention of the DoJ.
"For some months now I've identified the report as critical to understanding the power structures in the council," Mr McShane said.
"The document should have been made available to the DoJ over a year ago. It wasn't."
In a statement last night the DoJ confirmed it has requested more information from the council.
A spokeswoman said: “Following reports in the media, the DoJ have requested information from CC&G (Causeway Coast and Glens) as to the detail of those issues referred to.”
Mr McShane also claimed last week that the Paramilitary Crime Task Force is investigating "issues pertaining" to Causeway Coast and Glens council.
The Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) involves PSNI, the National Crime Agency and Revenue and Customs officials.
The DUP was contacted but did not respond.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council was contacted but also did not respond.
