A loyalist paramilitary "finance officer" has disappeared amid claims of a major row over cash irregularities, it emerged today.
The high-ranking Ulster Defence Association (UDA) member, who was based in the Lower Shankill area of Belfast, where Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair lives, vanished after an inquiry was ordered.
The finance officer was in charge of money used to buy weapons and pay for loyalist murals adorning dozens of gable walls in the Lower Shankill for over a decade, it has been claimed.He also managed funds used to help cash-strapped prisoners' families.
An investigation began when it was discovered irregular payments were being made.
Families with relatives in jail expect to receive about £40 a week, but it is believed as much as £400 was being paid out regularly in some cases.
It is also believed a money-lending operation was not turning over the huge profits once made.
One source said: "Loyalists control most of the rackets in Belfast and this man could have handled anything up to £1 million".
The man fled amid fears of a shooting war after Mr Adair's expulsion from the UDA. Mr Adair and close associate Mr John White were dumped from the organisation after being accused of siding with bitter enemies in the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force.
PA