FBI moved from 'Real IRA' to US attacks

FBI agents working on a case involving the alleged leader of the "Real IRA" were diverted into the investigation of the terrorist…

FBI agents working on a case involving the alleged leader of the "Real IRA" were diverted into the investigation of the terrorist attacks in the United States, the Special Criminal Court was told yesterday.

Mr George Birmingham SC, prosecuting, said the FBI had infiltrated the "Real IRA" and its agents had been going through more than 2,000 e-mails to protect the identity of certain agents up until September 11th.

He said the agents were then moved to the investigations after the World Trade Centre attacks but have now been reassigned to the Michael McKevitt case. Mr Birmingham said they expected to have completed their work on the e-mails within two weeks.

Mr McKevitt (51), Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged that between August 29th, 1999, and March 28th, 2001, he was a member of the IRA and he directed its activities. It is the first prosecution for directing terrorism under legislation brought in after the 1998 Omagh bombing. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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The court was told at an earlier hearing that Mr David Rupert, who worked for the FBI and British intelligence, was observed by garda∅ meeting Mr McKevitt on a number of occasions. The court also heard that he successfully infiltrated the "Real IRA" leadership and attended its army council meetings. Mr McKevitt is also alleged to have asked Mr Rupert to acquire equipment for the dissident republicans.

The defence has written to the State seeking Mr Rupert's statements, correspondence, memorandums, 2,140 e-mails and records of Mr Rupert's dealings with the FBI and British intelligence in advance of a bail application.

Mr McKevitt was remanded in custody until October 23rd.