Accused republican banned from selling house
A top republican has been banned from selling his property until detectives complete a probe into an alleged multi-million pound fraud, it emerged today.
Restraining orders have been served on Co Tyrone man Brian Arthurs in relation to two homes and land.
A bank account in his name was also frozen after police put their case before the High Court in Belfast.
The move involves at least £750,000 (€1.1m) worth of property.
Arthurs, 42, was charged last month with converting criminal property and obtaining a money transfer by deception.
It followed a major inquiry into an alleged laundering racket.
Arthurs, of Meadowvale, Dungannon, was released on bail after a court heard claims that officers who arrested him found more than £20,000 (€29,482) in sterling and euro hidden in his car.
His lawyer hit out at the police investigation, claiming the prosecution was down to Arthurs' role in the Troubles and to settle old scores.
But in the latest development Police Service of Northern Ireland legal representatives successfully sought to prevent any potential sale during their inquiry.
The order, granted within the last seven days, relates to houses in Dungannon and Castlecaulfield, Co Tyrone. Land at nearby Ballygawley has also been restrained.
A PSNI spokesman refused to comment on the specifics of the case.
He said: "This investigation is continuing and police are deploying a number of measures to ensure it's carried out efficiently and effectively."
