Courts / Dublin / Report

CAB forensic accountant gives evidence at trial of prominent republican

Summary

The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for alleged tax evasion has heard evidence from a forensic accountant. The prosecution alleges that Murphy failed to furnish returns of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to nine charges arising from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation known as Operation Achilles. The unnamed forensic accountant testified regarding ledgers, cheques, and cheque books seized during a 2006 search of a shed on the border with Northern Ireland. He stated that specific letters in the ledgers, such as "T" and "under Tom," referred to Thomas Murphy, while other entries related to family members, including his brother Patrick. The accountant cross-referenced these entries with invoices from cattle marts and a bank account in Murphy's name. Under cross-examination, the accountant maintained his objectivity and independence, rejecting the defence suggestion that the operation aimed solely to target Murphy. He also disagreed with the assertion that the family operated as a single farm, noting that each member took their share of the money. The defence argued that Patrick Murphy paid the tax due for the herd. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: CAB forensic accountant gives evidence at trial of prominent republican. Charges or matters: nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 1997 to 2004 Other
• 2015-10-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report