UK Treasury Freezes Assets of Northern Irish Man Over New IRA Links

The British Treasury has invoked counter-terrorism laws to freeze the assets of a Northern Ireland man accused of involvement in terrorist activities linked to the so-called "New Irish Republican Army" (New IRA). The UK government stated it had "reasonable cause" to suspect that Brian Sheridan, a Co Armagh native, was engaged in facilitating terrorism, associating with members of the New IRA, and providing funds to the organization.

The New IRA is one of the few militant groups in Northern Ireland that opposes the Good Friday Agreement, which largely brought peace to the region. The group has been linked to several violent incidents, including the 2019 murder of journalist Lyra McKee, an act that drew widespread condemnation.

“This action is the first use of the Treasury-led domestic counter-terrorism financial sanctions regime targeting Northern Ireland-related terrorism,” said Tulip Siddiq, Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

Under these sanctions, it is now an offense for any individual or entity to maintain a direct or indirect financial relationship with Mr. Sheridan, according to the finance ministry.

By fLEXI tEAM