GARDAI are examining material taken from the home of Mr John Gilligan in Co Kildare. Up to 20 detectives were involved in Monday's raid on the equestrian centre at Jessbrook, Mucklion, Enfield.
Mr Gilligan (44), a convicted criminal who says he now makes a living as a professional gambler has given media interviews since the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, saying he fears for his life because he is being "set up" in relation to the murder. He has said he is innocent of any involvement in the killing.
Mr Gilligan - who claims he is separated from his wife and lives at an address in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin was not in the house at the time of the raid. His wife, Geraldine, in whose name the equestrian centre is registered, was present.
The Garda raid began around 4 p.m. and lasted five to six hours, according to sources. A "substantial" amount of material, understood to be financial records, was seized and is now being investigated. The detectives involved in the raid were from the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigations. They are investigating a possible money laundering operation under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act.
The investigation is being headed by Chief Supt Kevin Carty, of the Garda National Drugs Unit.
A number of equestrian events at the centre, which cost over £3 million, have been cancelled because of participants pulling out since the negative publicity Mr Gilligan has received since Ms Guerin's murder.
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