Fugitive millionaire gets consular help

THE Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to a fugitive millionaire who is fighting extradition from Thailand to face trial in the US for allegedly arranging the contract killing of his wife.

Boston-born businessman, Jim Sullivan (61), is claiming that his Irish citizenship should prevent his extradition back to the US as he could face the death penalty if found guilty of charges related to the murder of his estranged wife, Lita, 16 years ago.

The Irish Ambassador to Malaysia and the honorary consul in the Thai capital of Bangkok have been providing consular assistance to Sullivan since they became aware of the case, it was confirmed yesterday.