Lithuanian police foil Real IRA arms deal

THE brother of a top dissident republican terrorist was last night facing at least three months in jail in Lithuania after being arrested in a dramatic undercover police operation.

Michael Campbell, 35, was seized when authorities swooped on a lock-up garage in the capital Vilnius as he attempted to negotiate a deal for guns, ammunition and bomb-making materials for the Real IRA.

An unnamed woman, also from Ireland, was arrested along with him at a bogus arms sale after a massive surveillance operation involving several European police forces.

It is understood the set-up was masterminded by Lithuanian Police with an undercover officer posing as the supposed broker.

Irmantas Mikelionis, deputy head prosecutor of Vilnius, said Campbell had been remanded in custody for three months and the woman for a fortnight.

“They are accused of trying to get arms, munitions, guns and explosive material and they are accused also of being supportive of a terrorist group,” the prosecutor said.

The pair can appeal their detention, while a case file is prepared.

The investigation is expected to run for at least another six months before they are brought to trial.

Campbell and the woman were arrested on Tuesday at around midday after armed detectives swooped on the garage. They were brought in for questioning and appeared before the Vilnius City Court yesterday.

As well as the weapons offences, they are also accused of supporting an outlawed terrorist unit.

It is understood Campbell and the woman have been under police surveillance since they arrived in Lithuania last weekend. Campbell’s brother, Liam, has been jailed a number of times for Real IRA membership.

Campbell and his brother are from Dundalk.

Liam Campbell is one of five men named by relatives of those murdered in the Omagh attack in a civil action they are taking against those they believe ordered the bombing.

Gardaí in Dublin said anti-terrorist officers had been liaising with their counterparts in Lithuania and would continue to help the investigation if needed.

“We are aware of the arrest of two Irish citizens in Lithuania and we will continue to provide assistance to the Lithuanian Police as required,” said a spokeswoman for the force.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been made aware of the arrests. A spokeswoman said they were monitoring the situation. No request for consular assistance has been made.