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24/03/2005
Assets Recovery Agency seize almost £5m
Nearly £5 million worth of assets have been seized from a man who is alleged to be a loyalist paramilitary.
The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) was granted an Interim Receiving Order at the High Court in Belfast last week for assets owned by Colin Robert Armstrong and his partner Geraldine Enda Mallon of Tullynewbank Road in Glenavy.
The assets included Mr Armstrong's luxury home at Tullynewbank Road, Glenavy and a portfolio of over 45 other properties located across Northern Ireland including properties in Dublin and the Cote D'Azure in France.
Commenting on the case, ARA Assistant Director Alan McQuillan said: "In its case to the High Court, the Agency has alleged that Mr Armstrong was linked to drug trafficking between Belgium and Northern Ireland in 1994 and was involved in importing and selling drugs in Northern Ireland over a period of years.
“We have further alleged that Mr. Armstrong has had links with the UVF, and then the LVF following the split between those organisations.”
Security Minister Ian Pearson welcomed today’s news saying it clearly indicated the Agency’s commitment to deprive criminals of their profits.
“It demonstrates how all OCTF agencies are working together to combat criminality,” Mr Pearson said. “I am particularly delighted that the close cooperation between ARA and the Criminal Assets Bureau in Dublin has helped ensure success in this case. “
Last week’s seizure was the agency's biggest ever move to remove assets in Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) was granted an Interim Receiving Order at the High Court in Belfast last week for assets owned by Colin Robert Armstrong and his partner Geraldine Enda Mallon of Tullynewbank Road in Glenavy.
The assets included Mr Armstrong's luxury home at Tullynewbank Road, Glenavy and a portfolio of over 45 other properties located across Northern Ireland including properties in Dublin and the Cote D'Azure in France.
Commenting on the case, ARA Assistant Director Alan McQuillan said: "In its case to the High Court, the Agency has alleged that Mr Armstrong was linked to drug trafficking between Belgium and Northern Ireland in 1994 and was involved in importing and selling drugs in Northern Ireland over a period of years.
“We have further alleged that Mr. Armstrong has had links with the UVF, and then the LVF following the split between those organisations.”
Security Minister Ian Pearson welcomed today’s news saying it clearly indicated the Agency’s commitment to deprive criminals of their profits.
“It demonstrates how all OCTF agencies are working together to combat criminality,” Mr Pearson said. “I am particularly delighted that the close cooperation between ARA and the Criminal Assets Bureau in Dublin has helped ensure success in this case. “
Last week’s seizure was the agency's biggest ever move to remove assets in Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
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