Three arrested in Lunney investigation

Three persons- two males and a female- have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the kidnap and torture of local businessman and QIH director, Kevin Lunney.

The arrests were executed earlier this morning and the persons are currently being held for questioning at garda stations in Cavan, Monaghan and Kells.

The males are aged in their 20s 40s respectively, are currently being detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 applies to detention in connection with the following offences: Murder involving the use of a firearm or explosive. They can be held initally for six-hours, and for a period of up to seven days on foot of extensions by Superintendents, the District or Circuit Court.

The female, aged in her fifties, is being held under Section 30 of Offences Against The State Act, 1939.

Section 30 concerns the withholding of certain information, allows for person to be detained by authorities for questioning for 24 hours initally, and to a mximum of three days upon an extension being granted.

It's understood that Mr Lunney, his family, and other QIH directors have been made aware of this morning’s development.

It's also understood that other searches have been carried out at both residential and commercial properties in Cavan, Longford and Dublin.

"An Garda Síochána is not providing any further information at this time," a garda spokesperson said.

Last week Gardaí and the PSNI established a joint team protocol to investigate a campaign of intimidation, including death threats, targeting the QIH directors.

Considered the most serious incident to date in the campaign of intimidation against Quinn businesses and management, father of six Mr Lunney was abducted from outside his home in mid-September before being tortured for several hours, which included this attackers branding him and coursing him in bleach.

Last Friday gardai, along with police in Northern Ireland and Derbyshire Constabulary, conducted a series of searches at a total of 13 properties across the UK and Ireland.

Today’s arrests are the latest in what remains an “ongoing” investigation by authorities both north and south.

Garda statement in full:

"Gardaí this morning, 14th November 2019, have arrested a number of people in relation to the abduction of Kevin Lunney on 17th September 2019.

A male in his 20s and a male in his 40s are currently being detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. A female in her fifties is being held under Section 30 of Offences Against The State Act, 1939.

An Garda Síochána is not providing any further information at this time.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who has any information, no matter how insignificant it appears, on this vicious criminal attack or any other criminal activities which have taken place in the Cavan/Fermanagh border area over recent years to contact An Garda Síochána at Cavan Garda Station 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 25 00 25 or any Garda Station."