Assets frozen in property probe

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The assets of an NI businessmen allegedly involved in a property scam in Turkey have been frozen.

Kevin O'Kane, from Bellaghy, allegedly acted with a Turkish property developer in selling homes to about 80 NI investors which they never received.

Mr Justice Deeny made the order on the application of Bellaghy man Brian Oliver Muldoon who said he had paid £70,000 for a home with fake deeds.

The judge said he was satisfied there was a case for breach of contract.

The High Court was told that Mr O'Kane owns an extensive property portfolio in Northern Ireland as well as a fuel business and the court order prevents from disposing of any of his assets.

He was allowed a weekly living allowance of £400 along with £1,000 for legal expenses.

Mr O'Kane was not in court and barrister Jonathan Dunlop, acting for Mr Muldoon, said it was understood that he had been detained by the authorities in Turkey following a police investigation.

Disposal risk

He said the PSNI was also investigating the matter following complaints from people who had allegedly paid money for properties.

Mr Dunlop said it was estimated that £2.5m had been handed over in payment for properties at Golden Beach Villas in Bodrum, Turkey.

Mr Justice Deeny said he was satisfied Mr Muldoon had established a cause of action against Mr O'Kane arising out of the payment of monies to his appointed agent or himself and that he had a good arguable case of breach of contract.

The judge said he accepted there was a real risk of Mr O'Kane disposing of his assets and therefore an injunction freezing them was necessary and appropriate.

The case was adjourned until next Friday.