‘McMafia’ law used on Northern Irish woman linked to paramilitaries

National Crime Agency orders woman to explain how she bought six homes worth 3.2m

A Northern Irish woman accused of having links to paramilitary criminals has been ordered to explain how she bought six properties worth 3.2m.

The National Crime Agency said the woman is believed to be associated with criminals involved in paramilitary activity as well as cigarette smuggling gangs and is at the centre of an investigation into the source of funds used to buy four properties in London and two in Northern Ireland. The property empire could be seized by the authorities if the woman fails to provide evidence of the legitimate funds used to buy the homes.