FG seeks crackdown on rogue accountants and brokers

Fine Gael is calling for a clampdown on rogue accountants and mortgage brokers who are allegedly helping drug dealers to launder the proceeds of the crimes.

Reports this morning said the Gardaí had uncovered a widespread scam whereby some brokers were helping drug dealers to secure mortgages on houses they have purchased in the name of relatives or trusted associates.

The dealers then pay the monthly mortgage repayments, thereby laundering the money.

Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keefe says this would never be able to happen without the complicity of rogue brokers and the professions itself should do all it can to root out such activity.

"I have no doubt that there must be some knowledge or involvement by some of them," he said.

"Professional groups like accountants and brokers and lawyers and agents are supposed to report any suspicious financial transaction over €13,000."

The Irish Brokers Association, however, says it has no knowledge of any involvement in such illegality by any of its members.

"There are 4,500 regulated entities, so there may be a few that are slipping through there, but we certainly haven't come any ourselves," spokesman Pat O'Sullivan said.

"We would be very vigilant and very active with our members and I know that our members would espouse to the highest integrity in dealing with their clients."