Two charged with blackmail in Belfast

Two men were today charged with blackmail and terrorist funding following a police operation against an alleged extortion racket in west Belfast.

The accused, aged 29 and 33, will appear at Laganside court in the city tomorrow morning.

A third man taken into custody by the PSNI’s Extortion Unit in the Poleglass area on Wednesday has been released pending a report being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.

The police moved against the men after receiving reports of alleged threats against a local businessman.