Former GAA star arrested over alleged fraud released without charge

The former star GAA player questioned by gardaí about an alleged fraud, based on a claim he had cancer and needed money for specialist treatment, has been released from custody without charge.

The man was released early on Thursday pending the completion of the criminal inquiry.

A file, including the responses he gave to questions while in custody, is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The former player was arrested on Wednesday under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and was questioned on suspicion of offences contrary to Section 5 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years if convicted on indictment.

Former GAA star arrested by gardaí over alleged fraud

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Former sports star approached GAA figures seeking money

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Former GAA star under investigation for alleged fraud sought cancer treatment money almost a decade ago

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GAA star ‘golfing’ in Ireland when claiming to be receiving cancer care in US

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Gardaí are investigating whether the retired player deceived friends, acquaintances and business associates into lending him money for medical bills. The investigation is being carried out by local gardaí in consultation with Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.

Garda Headquarters did not make any substantive comment on the case save for confirming “gardaí in the eastern region” had “arrested a male in relation to an ongoing investigation into an alleged fraud”.

Detectives are investigating whether or not he falsely claimed that he had cancer to people from whom he sought money. The sums involved range from a few thousand euro up to five- and six-figure amounts.

It emerged last weekend that businessman Denis O’Brien allowed the sports star to use some of his properties and gave large sums and loans to the man, who claimed that he needed the money to fund his cancer treatment. Mr O’Brien, who was approached a number of times by the former GAA player seeking money, has provided gardaí with extensive information on the sports star.

Another businessman secured a debt judgment in court running to tens of thousands of euro against the retired player. A number of people who claim they have the former player money for treatment in the US went to gardaí and gave statements of complaint, which now form the basis of the Garda investigation.

Detectives last December searched a premises where the former player was staying at the time and took away a number of items for examination. Shortly after the search operation the player spoke to investigating gardaí and answered questions, though he was not arrested at that stage.