UK National Crime Agency to lead Nama investigation in North

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) is to take the lead role in investigating allegations of corruption relating to the sale of the National Asset Management Agency's Northern Ireland portfolio, which was sold for £1.3 billion in April last year.

The NCA, which has been characterised as Britain's FBI because of its cross-jurisdictional reach, was called in by the Police Service of Northern Ireland because of the complexity and scale of the case and because it deals with alleged organised crime across international borders.

Interpol

Through Interpol it has a relationship with the Garda, as well as links with the US authorities that could prove relevant as the investigation also takes in US companies

Cerberus

, which bought the portfolio, and

Pimco

, which withdrew from the bidding in controversial circumstances.

NCA deputy director of operations Graham Gardner said it had "considered a request [from the PSNI] and has agreed to lead an investigation, calling on support as necessary from PSNI officers".

The criminal inquiry was triggered by Dáil claims last week from Independent TD Mick Wallace that a Northern Ireland politician or party was reportedly set to gain by up to £7 million as a result of the sale of the 850-property Nama portfolio to Cerberus.

Meanwhile, Daithí McKay, the Sinn Féin chairman of the Assembly finance committee which is inquiring into allegations, has criticised Nama chairman Frank Daly for yesterday telling the Dáil Public Accounts Committee he would not give evidence to the Stormont inquiry.

Accountable to the PAC

Mr Daly said Nama was accountable to the PAC and not to Stormont and any information he provided to the PAC would be available to the Assembly committee through Oireachtas transcripts.

Mr McKay criticised this stance and called on Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to ensure Nama officials appeared before the Assembly committee's inquiry.

Mr McKay he would meet PSNI assistant chief constable Will Kerr in the coming days to “discuss the finance committee’s remit and to ensure that it does not compromise the criminal investigation”.

He said he was still keen to press ahead with hearing evidence from interested parties – due to begin next Thursday – but equally the finance committee was anxious not to do anything that could undermine the criminal inquiry.