Fuel smuggling probe in North costs brothers £6m in assets

Assets worth almost £6m (€7m) were surrendered by three brothers today after a major investigation into fuel smuggling.

Twelve homes, three offices and £870,000 (€1m) cash belonging to the McGleenan brothers, of Keady, Co Armagh, were among the possessions obtained by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca).

The move comes after Damien John McGleenan (aged 43) of Cargaclogher Road in the village, Francis Joseph McGleenan (aged 42) of Mullaghmore Avenue, and Joseph Pearse McGleenan (aged 37), of Crossdened Row, agreed to settle Soca’s claims.

The consent order was also granted against Damien McGleenan’s wife, Dymphna.

In its recovery application through the civil courts, Soca claimed the McGleenan brothers had derived the majority of their assets through cross-border fuel smuggling and excise evasion.

Three substantial development sites (two in the North and one in Ireland), with planning permission already granted, and the proceeds from two house sales were also recovered in the £5.7m (€6.65m) haul.

The case was referred to Soca by HM Revenues and Customs in April 2005.

John Whiting, HMRC assistant director of criminal investigation in the region, and chair of the cross-border fuel fraud enforcement group, said: “Those involved in the illegal fuel trade are not providing a public service – it is organised crime funding luxurious lifestyles.”

Ian Cruxton, Soca deputy director, proceeds of crime, said: “Fuel smuggling is not a victimless crime and the people involved in it should take this warning. Soca and our partners will pursue all those who attempt to profit from their criminal activities. We will take your assets, and we will take your lifestyle away from you.”