Northern Crisis: PIRA members involved in crime but not terrorism

A “significant number” of Provisional IRA associates are involved in organised crime — and more than 50 of them have paid €28m in criminal proceeds to the State, according to a Garda assessment.

Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan

The assessment said these former PIRA members “continue to associate” and make full use of their “reputations” and do not hesitate to use “terrorist tactics”.

The dossier — ordered after the murder of Kevin McGuigan by suspected PIRA members in Belfast in August — said that the criminal activities were for “personal gain” and there was “no evidence” they were directed by any leadership.