A COMPANY director from Co Galway was charged in Belfast yesterday with fraudulent evasion of more than £120,000 in Value Added Tax.
Mr Rory McGaan (27) from Dunloe Court, Ballinasloe, whose NI-registered company, Kettick Limited, traded in animal hides, was arrested at Leeds-Bradford airport on Wednesday as he got off a flight from Dublin.
A customs official told the Magistrates Court that the unpaid VAT was currently estimated at £120,000 but the amount was expected to increase.
He said Kettick Ltd had not made any VAT returns since it was set up in 1994. During interview Mr McGann said he knew there was a problem and some payment would have to be made.
Mr McGann was remanded for a week on his own bail of £10,000, which he was ordered to lodge in court, and a non-cash surety of £30,000.
Defence solicitor James McCann said his attention had been drawn to the fact that his client's name had been broadcast in a radio programme before the hearing.
"It is my understanding that names should not be given in advance of a court hearing," he said. "I don't know where it came from but I would like to protest."
The magistrate said the matter could be referred to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
