Solicitor’s office raided by CAB and Revenue

A LAWYER yesterday denounced a raid on his offices by members of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and Revenue as a “total intrusion” of a solicitor-client relationship.

Limerick solicitor John Devane claimed the search was linked to a criminal case struck out earlier this week in which he was part of the defence team.

“Certain individuals are being victimised,” the solicitor said yesterday.

Mr Devane said no files were removed during the 30-minute search but he described the search ordeal as “shocking”.

He claimed that personal financial records and files relating to certain clients were inspected by the two officials from CAB and Revenue.

“I have never had anyone question me before in connection with the work I do,” Mr Devane said.

He claimed a ledger containing documentation relating to a client was “torn up” during the raid.

A second solicitor’s office and an accountancy firm in Limerick were also searched on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Devane said he believed the CAB inquiry was a sequel to a recent circuit court case in which he was part of a successful defence team.

He said a search warrant to inspect certain files in his office had been obtained by CAB and Revenue.

“It was a total intrusion of a solicitor-client relationship,” he said.

“I am going to take the matter further. I am seeking advice from counsel on whether CAB and Revenue exceeded their remit.”

Specific details of the case are not available but a nolle prosequi was entered by the State.

The joint operation was believed to be part of an investigation into a farmer, suspected of involvement in supplying Limerick drugs gangs.

Ecstasy tablets with a street value of €750,000 were discovered on lands owned by the farmer two years ago.

More than €60,000 in cash had also been found in a vehicle, stashed under the bonnet.

The farmer, in his 50s, owns extensive property in Munster.

Gardaí, it emerged, had found the huge quantities of drugs when they went to a farm following reports of animal cruelty.

One source said: “Gardaí were investigating a report that animals were in a bad way on the farm.

“After investigating that matter, suspicions were raised and a further raid had been carried out which resulted in drugs being found.”

It is believed that the farmer has links to the well-known Keane gang based in Limerick’s St Mary’s Park, and is one of their suppliers.