Spain seeks extradition of man over gang claim
Mr Thompson, 30, of Loretto Road, Maryland, Dublin, was arrested yesterday afternoon on foot of a European Extradition Warrant issued by the authorities in Malaga, Spain, in September 2010.
The court heard the Spanish authorities are seeking his extradition on the grounds that Mr Thompson is a member of an criminal organisation whose members include Irish, British and Spanish nationals.
The warrant further claims Frederick James Thompson, who moved to Spain in 2008, is a member of the an organisation which, through a complex network of companies, has laundered the proceeds of illegal drugs and weapons trafficking.
It is claimed Mr Thompson’s role is to secure weapons for the organisation. It is also alleged he has acted as a bodyguard and a chauffeur for the gang, which is based on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
The Spanish authorities also allege Mr Thompson is an associate of and has worked for other known criminals, some of whom were described as good friends of his.
It is also claimed in the warrant that ongoing surveillance of Mr Thompson conducted by police in a number of countries has revealed that on dates between 2008 and 2010 he travelled to locations, including Morocco and Amsterdam. It is claimed he travelled either in the company of, or to meet up with, gang members or other criminals. On occasions it is alleged these trips were to organise criminal activity, including the shipment of drugs.
It is further claimed that Mr Thompson does not have any movable or immovable assets, such as property, in Spain, and therefore did not have any legitimate means to support his lifestyle.
Yesterday, at the High Court, Sgt Sean Fallon of the Garda extradition unit, told the court Mr Thompson was arrested shortly before 3pm.
Mr Thompson, who did not speak during the brief hearing, was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Michael Peart to next Wednesday’s sitting of the High Court.
