Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has spoken out following the revelation that the Real IRA is estimated to be the ninth richest terrorist group in the world, largely as a result of illegal fuel smuggling operations.

Mr Elliott said;

“According to a recent report the Real IRA terrorist group has an annual income of £32m, generated from fuel smuggling and organised crime, which is helping fund its activities.

“Many people are concerned that in spite of the growing number of fuel laundering plants which have been discovered by HMRC, no jail sentences have resulted. I wonder if this lack of real enforcement has resulted in the Real IRA continuing to operate to the stage where it has now been classified as the ninth richest terrorist group in the world?

“I very much welcome the recent arrest of people in Newry following a result of a surveillance operation, but it does seem curious that those engaged in fuel laundering appear to be almost immune from arrest and questioning, never mind prosecution and sentencing.

"In other regions of the UK, many cases of similar nature come to court with a sizeable number resulting in jail sentences. The question is why are the same penalties not imposed in Northern Ireland? There is a genuine belief that because most of the illicit trade is conducted in the midst of republican areas that authorities for reasons of political expediency – not least the fact that some of the key figures involved may be high-ranking informants - no sentences are imposed.

"Many questions remain from the public as to why enforcement is not as they would expect in Northern Ireland. The continued inability of the National Crime Agency to operate in Northern Ireland to the full extent which it does in Great Britain is another issue which must be resolved.”