240 gang murders remain unsolved

More than 240 murders committed by criminal gangs remain unsolved, it has been claimed.

Figures compiled by RTÉ’s Prime Time programme showed that, in the past 10 years, there have been more than 130 gangland murders which have not been solved, and, from 1980 to the present day, the killers in 240 such murders were never caught.

The programme, broadcast last night, featured a number of relatives who told of how the thought of their loved ones’ killers still being on the loose added to their grief.

Prime Time spoke to Joe and Nell Maughan, whose son William disappeared in April, 2015, along with his girlfriend, Anna Varslavane, originally from Latvia.

While gardaí have issued numerous appeals to the public for information since the pair were reported missing from Gormanston, Co Meath, there has been no sign of them. The family believe they were killed by a gang and their bodies hidden.

Detective Superintendent Walter O’Sullivan, head of the Serious Crime Review Team, said: “Even with the best commitment from investigators, very often the lines of inquiry lead into the sand and the investigation arrives at a point where it can’t be progressed any further.

He said criminals go to extraordinary measures to conceal evidence, burning vehicles and weapons.