Criminal Assets Bureau Disrupts Organized Crime with Property Seizures in Clare and Longford
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in Ireland continues its aggressive campaign against organized crime, recently concluding the sale of properties linked to key figures in two separate criminal networks. Thes seizures, totaling over €250,000, exemplify CAB’s “deny and deprive” strategy, aimed at dismantling criminal enterprises by stripping them of their ill-gotten gains. This article provides a detailed look at these cases, the individuals involved, and the broader implications for tackling organized crime in Ireland.
Clare Property Linked to McCarthy-Ryan Feud Sold for €175,000
A training track and associated property in Kealderra, Bodyke, County clare, was sold this week for approximately €175,000 – close to the asking price. The property was previously seized from William McInerney, identified by CAB as a key associate of the notorious McCarthy-Ryan organized crime group.
This gang has been embroiled in a violent, decades-long feud with the Dundon gang, a conflict that has tragically claimed 17 lives. CAB investigations revealed the Clare property wasn’t simply a horse training facility. It was allegedly purchased to launder money generated from drug dealing and other criminal activities.
Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
* Illegal Racing: A track was constructed on the land to host organized, illegal sulky races.
* Money Laundering: These races were then exploited to launder funds through gambling and horse sales.
* McInerney’s Role: mcinerney, 52, served as a jockey and trainer for other gang members, stabling horses at the property.
* Criminal History: He has prior convictions for drugs, theft, assault, and possessing counterfeit currency.
McInerney initially purchased the farmhouse and land in 2010 for €233,000, providing a €23,300 cash deposit. His explanation for the funds raised significant red flags. He claimed the money came from the sale of another property, investments in Lanzarote, and the sale of a Toyota Land Cruiser. He even alleged discovering “€5,000-€6,000” in a separate property.
His account further included “horse trading” money and loans from individuals named “Marie” and “Cha” – loans he admitted were unsecured and undocumented. The High Court ultimately ruled the property as the proceeds of crime, paving the way for CAB’s seizure and subsequent sale.
Longford cottage Linked to Chop Shop Operation Fetches €79,000
CAB also successfully sold a three-bedroom detached cottage in County longford for €79,000. The property, situated on just under a half hectare of land, included an outhouse converted into a bar and gym. This cottage was the residence of Edward “Blondie” Stokes, currently serving a seven-year sentence for a violent assault in 2018.
Stokes purchased the property in 2014 for €24,000, attributing the funds to an inheritance, family loans, and wedding gifts. Though, a subsequent investigation revealed extensive renovations, estimated at €400,000, including the construction of “Blondie’s Boom Boom Bar.” Stokes claimed his father-in-law built the bar for free, a claim CAB disputed.
Key details of the Longford case include:
* Stokes’ affiliation: Edward ”Blondie” Stokes is a member of the Stokes Organized Crime Gang, alongside his uncle, Edward “Sonny” Stokes.
* Chop Shop Operation: The gang operated a sophisticated illegal “chop shop,” dismantling stolen vehicles and machinery originating in the UK for resale.
* Further Seizures: CAB has also received an offer for a nearby parcel of land and two outbuildings seized from Stokes, valued at €10,000.
CAB’s ”Deny and Deprive” Strategy in Action
These recent sales underscore the effectiveness of CAB’s strategy,as explained by Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins,the Bureau’s head. The “deny and deprive” approach focuses on seizing assets that represent the proceeds of crime – trophy homes, luxury goods, high
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