Menu
01/03/2006
Portadown couple have assets frozen by High Court
A couple from Portadown have today had assets worth more than £3.5 million frozen by Belfast's High Court.
The Assets Recovery Agency alleges that Mark and Beverley McKinney, of Woodlands Manor, are involved in drug, fuel and cigarette smuggling, and money laundering.
They also alleged that Mr McKinney was involved with loyalist paramilitaries.
The couple have also had the assets of their company, MMK International Transport Ltd, frozen, as it is understood that it may have been used for smuggling purposes.
The ASA today seized assets including the couples Portadown home, the contents of more than 30 bank accounts, a helicopter and commercial property. Around 70 vehicles were also seized, including articulated lorries, a Bentley Continental, a Jaguar X-Type and a Range Rover.
Under the same order, Anthony James McNeill of Selshion Parade in Portadown also had assets worth around £60,000 frozen, including a house.
The agency alleges that all three were engaged in laundering money worth over £650,000.
ARA Assistant Director, Alan McQuillan, said that police had made the agency aware of the case.
He said: "While that company has some legitimate business, it was part of ARA's case to the High Court that that company was also used as a vehicle for smuggling drugs, tobacco, and oil into Northern Ireland, and that the McKinneys and Mr McNeill were involved in laundering the proceeds of crime."
(EF/SP)
The Assets Recovery Agency alleges that Mark and Beverley McKinney, of Woodlands Manor, are involved in drug, fuel and cigarette smuggling, and money laundering.
They also alleged that Mr McKinney was involved with loyalist paramilitaries.
The couple have also had the assets of their company, MMK International Transport Ltd, frozen, as it is understood that it may have been used for smuggling purposes.
The ASA today seized assets including the couples Portadown home, the contents of more than 30 bank accounts, a helicopter and commercial property. Around 70 vehicles were also seized, including articulated lorries, a Bentley Continental, a Jaguar X-Type and a Range Rover.
Under the same order, Anthony James McNeill of Selshion Parade in Portadown also had assets worth around £60,000 frozen, including a house.
The agency alleges that all three were engaged in laundering money worth over £650,000.
ARA Assistant Director, Alan McQuillan, said that police had made the agency aware of the case.
He said: "While that company has some legitimate business, it was part of ARA's case to the High Court that that company was also used as a vehicle for smuggling drugs, tobacco, and oil into Northern Ireland, and that the McKinneys and Mr McNeill were involved in laundering the proceeds of crime."
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Why UK Branding Agencies Are Key To Business Success
Living in a digital world, when the competition grows with each new day, the biggest challenge a business has to put up with is to be different, relevant, and memorable. This makes branding not just advantageous but highly important.
Why UK Branding Agencies Are Key To Business Success
Living in a digital world, when the competition grows with each new day, the biggest challenge a business has to put up with is to be different, relevant, and memorable. This makes branding not just advantageous but highly important.
26 November 2024
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
18 November 2024
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
30 September 2005
Glengormley couple have £200k assets frozen
Belfast High Court has frozen assets worth £200,000 following an investigation by the Assets Recovery Agency into the affairs of a married couple in Glengormley.
Glengormley couple have £200k assets frozen
Belfast High Court has frozen assets worth £200,000 following an investigation by the Assets Recovery Agency into the affairs of a married couple in Glengormley.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
