A BUSINESSMAN whose home and offices were raided by police in connection with an investigation into an IRA crime empire admitted links with the family of an alleged IRA godfather yesterday.

Two men whose business was raided by police investigating a UK crime empire linked to alleged IRA godfather Thomas “Slab” Murphy, will protest their innocence today.

BRITISH police and gardaí are still examining documents seized during raids in the Manchester area, which may be connected to alleged IRA money laundering.

ABOUT 250 properties associated with two Manchester-based businessmen were yesterday being investigated by Assets Recovery Agency officials in the North as part of a probe into IRA links.