The character of FBI spy David Rupert is under scrutiny by defence counsel at the trial of Michael McKevitt, reports Suzanne Breen
Mafia bosses, business associates linked to Latin-American dictators, dodgy casinos, bankruptcies and under-cover drugs operations.
The Special Criminal Court has heard tales which sound more like the script of a Hollywood film. As chief prosecution witnesses go, they don't come more colourful or controversial than FBI agent Mr David Rupert, who has so far been paid $1.25 million for his services.
The first week of the proceedings focused on alleged "Real IRA" leader, Mr Michael McKevitt. Questioned by the prosecution, Mr Rupert, who claims to have infiltrated dissident republican groups, told of plots to bomb Stormont, develop cyber terrorism and secure Iraqi sponsorship of the "Real IRA".
This week during cross-examination, the focus was on Mr Rupert's background. It was a battle of the giants as the 6 ft 7 in American traded verbal blows with the lofty and imposing defence counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC. Mr Rupert kept his temper but was not as fluent as before. Mr McKevitt seemed perkier. "Are you well, Mickey?" his wife, Ms Bernadette Sands McKevitt, asked from the public gallery as he was led from court one lunch-time. "I'm grand," said Mr McKevitt. "You look particularly lovely today." Ms McKevitt, in a grey trouser-suit and high heels, smiled back. Mr McKevitt (53), Blackrock, Co Louth, is pleading not guilty to charges of IRA membership and directing terrorism.
The court heard Mr Rupert's two trucking companies and two bars were seized in 1985 after he failed to repay a $30,000 bank loan. He moved to Florida where he planned to set up a floating casino. He discussed the proposal with a Mr Diego Silva who allegedly had links with the former Chilean and Panamanian dictators, Gen Augusto Pinochet and Gen Manuel Noriega. Mr Hartnett claimed he was also put in touch with an alleged Mafia boss, Mr Guy Scalsi. Mr Rupert accepted that cash, which would have been deposited in the casino, could have been earned illegally.
"Originally we were going to have the Bank of Panama on board to deal with 'black' money," he said. Mr Hartnett claimed it was the equivalent of money-laundering. If "people had chosen to use it for illegal purposes that would have been their option", Mr Rupert said, stressing the casino proposal never materialised anyway. The court heard Mr Rupert had stomach surgery in an attempt to earn money as a professional wrestler. He abandoned the plan when he realised his lack of ability.
Asked if working in an undercover FBI drugs operation in 1974 had been "exciting", Mr Rupert said he had done it to get out of the house - "my first wife was a bit of a bitch". Mr Hartnett suggested he could have golfed, gone fishing, or joined a club instead.
Mr Rupert recalled informing the FBI that the first female state trooper in New Jersey had smoked marijuana with his brother Dale. When asked if he knew what had happened the "unfortunate woman" after his evidence, he replied: "I never really cared."
Mr Hartnett said Mr Rupert, a twice-declared bankrupt, had a "most unfortunate" business history but the FBI agent saw it as "part of the ups and downs of life".
Mr Rupert was questioned about claims he left his third wife when she told him she was pregnant. He was asked if he had said to her: "You're on your own. I've no money." He said he never believed she was pregnant and he was already breaking up with her when she made the claim. Asked if he knew she had an abortion, he said he was still uncertain.
At one stage, the prosecution expressed concern the trial would become a judicial inquiry into the life and times of Mr Rupert. Mr Hartnett said the "character and credibility" of the witness were crucial.
The cross-examination continues on Monday.