Shots fired at Ponzi scam associate

Chris Donegan • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00

A financial adviser escaped injury when a gunman opened fire on his car near Belleek at lunchtime on Monday.

The man was travelling along the Ardees Road close to the site of the former security checkpoint beside Slavin Church of Ireland on the Lough Shore Road when his black Volvo car was attacked.

A PSNI spokesman said the victim did not see anyone and police do not know if more than one gunman was involved or if more than one shot was fired. However, they discovered a mark on the driver's side rear passenger door consistent with having been caused by a gunshot. The car has been taken away for forensic examination.

The spokesman said the driver was not injured but was badly shaken.

The attack is not thought to be terrorist related. The man is not a member of the security forces but has been associated with Francois de Detrich, the man behind a multi-million pound alleged Ponzi investment scam into which Fermanagh people have poured tens of thousands of pounds of their savings.

On the day of the gun attack at Belleek de Deitrich was due to appear in court in Belfast to appeal against an 18-month prison sentence imposed on him for failing to disclose the full extent of his financial dealings. He failed to turn up. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The man whose car was attacked has also been linking to another man currently facing a number of fraud charges involving hundreds of thousands of pounds of other people's money.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who saw suspicious activity on the Ardees or Lough Shore Roads between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on Monday to contact them in Enniskillen on 0845 600 8000.If someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12

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