Armagh republican has assets seized

A senior republican has had his assets in Northern Ireland seized for suspected money laundering.

The High Court in Belfast granted an order freezing assets held by Sean Gerard Hughes and his wife, Annette, from south Armagh.

The Serious and Organised Crime Agency alleged his properties were the result of laundering the proceeds of mortgage fraud, tax evasion and benefit fraud.

Soca was granted a receiving order in the High Court, taking control of properties owned by Mr Hughes and his wife, from Aghadavoyle Road, Drumintee.

A spokeswoman for Soca said: “Seeking the interim receiving order, Soca alleged to the court that the properties were derived from laundering the proceeds of mortgage fraud, tax evasion and benefit fraud.”

Assets frozen include eight houses in south Armagh, an apartment in south Belfast, the proceeds from the sale of three other houses in south Armagh and several bank accounts.

The High Court order was also granted against 10 other people: Sean Francis Hughes; Ciaran James Hughes; Sarah (Sally) Hughes; Paul Michael Hughes; Thomas Noel Hughes; Bridget Philomena Hughes; Aidan McKeown; Seamus Faulds; Francis Raymond Murphy; and Madeleine Murphy.

PA