Businesses of forensic expert O’Sullivan raided

POLICE searched the business premises of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation.

“Investigators from the South African Police Service today conducted a search at the business premises of Mr Paul O’Sullivan as part of ongoing investigations into charges relating to intimidation, extortion, attempted extortion, fraud and Section 33( 5) of the Ipid (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) Act,” spokesperson Major General Sally de Beer said.

“He has already appeared in court on this matter and the case was remanded to May 19, when he will appear with his co-accused, Sarah Jane Trent.

“The search was conducted in terms of a lawful search warrant which was produced to O’Sullivan’s attorney on the scene and involved on-scene extractions from certain electronic devices by forensic experts.”

De Beer said that O’Sullivan was not present for the search as he was not in South Africa.

She claimed the investigating officer was not told of him leaving the country, which was a contravention of his bail conditions.

This would form part of the investigation and will be placed on record in court, she added.

“The SAPS must emphasise that no individual is above the law and that the police will continue to investigate without fear or favour. No person was taken into custody today,” De Beer said.

O’Sullivan is under investigation and before the courts in connection with four other cases, relating to various char- ges of fraud, extortion, kidnapping and one in terms of the Immigration Act, she said.

“Three of these cases have been set down for trial and one has been remanded with a trial date yet to be set.

“In three of these cases, members of the public are complainants. Other cases are still under investigation,” she said. – ANA

PICTURE: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Paul O’Sullivan is under investigation and in the courts. He faces charges relating to fraud, extortion and kidnapping.