18/08/2004

Man remanded on bail following fuel fraud

The 52-year-old Armagh man charged with money laundering linked to an alleged £5m fuel smuggling fraud has been remanded on bail.

Malachy Molloy, a fuel distributor from Brootally Road, was arrested after a cross-border operation involving customs officers and police last week.

Armagh Magistrates’ Court was told today that 90,000 euro was found in a bedroom of the defendant’s home.

A defence solicitor said that during the course of lengthy interviews, his client had protested his innocence.

Senior Customs investigators in Northern Ireland, said last week's operation highlighted a commitment to tackle alleged oils fraud in Northern Ireland.

Customs sources estimate that the evasion of road fuel duty and legitimate cross-border shopping in Northern Ireland cost an estimated £340 million in 2002.

(MB)

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