Help of Cayman courts sought

The inspectors investigating the affairs of Ansbacher (Cayman) Ltd are seeking the help of the Cayman Islands courts in their…

The inspectors investigating the affairs of Ansbacher (Cayman) Ltd are seeking the help of the Cayman Islands courts in their efforts to identify Irish residents who used funds in certain Ansbacher accounts.

The High Court heard certain records of Ansbacher's "Irish business" which were in the possession of the late Mr Des Traynor were destroyed after his death and the inspectors required access to the Ansbacher Cayman records.

Mr Michael Cush SC, for the Ansbacher inspectors, said there was a clear indication of attempts to conceal matters and a "level of secrecy" which had led the inspectors to conclude they needed the help of the Cayman courts.

Mr Justice Quirke granted an application by the three inspectors that a letter be sent to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands requesting it direct the examination on oath of officers of Ansbacher (Cayman) and asking that documentation relating to Ansbacher's "Irish business" be produced. The inspectors want to examine officers of Ansbacher (Cayman) and also want to see documents relating to discretionary trusts held by the bank and discretionary trusts held in Channel Islands accounts.

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The inspectors are seeking Ansbacher records which would establish who were the directors, managing directors and the chairmen of Ansbacher who assisted in the carrying on of "the Irish business" of that bank from its incorporation in the early 1970s to September 1999.

The inspectors are asking for records which identify any Irish residents who deposited funds with Ansbacher in the Cayman Islands either directly or through banks other than Guinness and Mahon Ltd.