Executive admits link to alleged IRA chief

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.

Dermot Craven said his company managed properties for Frank Murphy, the brother of alleged IRA chief of staff Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy.

Mr Craven, a native of Galway, said his business partner, Brian Pepper, whose home was also raided, is secretary of a business owned by Frank Murphy.

The Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) raided the homes of Mr Craven and Mr Pepper last week and the offices of their company, the Craven Group, claiming they were linked to a

£30 million (€43.6m) alleged IRA property empire.

But Mr Craven, aged 44, from Bowdon, Cheshire, said yesterday he may have been duped.

“My business partner and I have been unjustly vilified by an investigation in which we are totally innocent,” he said.

“If it is the case the clients have purchased property through us, through the use of money that is derived from criminal activity, then we know nothing of this.

“A lot of press and ARA inquiries focus on Thomas Murphy. I have never met this man, spoken to him or carried out any business dealings with him.

“We do have a client called Frank Murphy, who we now know is Thomas Murphy’s brother. Frank Murphy owns a company called Sailor Property, which owns seven properties in Manchester.

“The last property Sailor purchased through Craven Group was approximately two years ago.”

At a press conference in Manchester yesterday, Mr Craven said he had never met Thomas Murphy but admitted he phoned Frank Murphy after his house was raided last week. He said Mr Murphy advised him to get a solicitor.

He said: “I have met Frank Murphy a number of times, he is a really nice guy. At that time I didn’t know Thomas Murphy was Frank Murphy’s brother.”

He said Mr Pepper, with whom he co-owns Dermot Craven Developments, had the “greater part” of their dealings with Frank Murphy. Mr Pepper’solicitor, Richard Holliday, said his client was at work trying to reassure customers. He said Mr Pepper had attended a funeral at which Frank and Thomas Murphy were present.

Mr Craven said the properties managed by the Craven Group for Frank Murphy were worth over €1m.