IRA suspected of Police Fund leak
Two employees of the Northern Ireland Police Fund, a body set up by the Government to help police widows and officers injured during the “troubles,” were arrested and later released yesterday in connection with suspected terrorist and criminal activity.
One man was arrested under the Terrorism Act. The other was released later without charge, pending further inquiries.
The GBP2 million-a-year Northern Ireland Police Fund was a key element of the April 2002 Patten Report on police reform.
The Fund gathers personal details of hundreds of serving and retired officers and security sources.
An inquiry has been launched into the “suspected” leaking of personal details to republican terrorists.
Security sources are fearful the addresses of police families may have fallen in the hands of republican terrorists, possibly the Provisional IRA.
Police have seized computers and files from the Police Fund offices, based at Maryfield outside Holywood, Co Down.
The chairman of the Fund, Sir John Semple, said: “Yesterday I was advised that there are serious allegations, including financial irregularities, in respect of the Police Fund.
“Two members of staff have been arrested. I understand the police investigations are at an early stage and I cannot comment further.”
Jeffrey Donaldson, Ulster Unionist MP for Lagan Valley, said last night he was “very deeply concerned about the possible breach of security at the police fund.”
“It’s another incredible lapse of security and I will be calling in Parliament for the Secretary of State and the Security Minister for Northern Ireland to take urgent action and to carry out a review of vetting procedures for staff in all public bodies.
“This latest incident demonstrates why Sinn Fein is unfit to be in the government of Northern Ireland and shows the republican movement’s continuing terrorist activity.”
