Police examine UUP bank accounts
The Electoral Commission is asking the police to examine the discovery of two undisclosed bank accounts linked to the Ulster Unionist Party.
The government watchdog has been talking to the party about funds which should have been disclosed to it amounting to about £50,000.
The commission is now asking the PSNI to see if there is an issue to investigate.
It is understood detectives had already visited the Ulster Unionist Party.
This was on an informal basis to discuss the matter, but no investigation is currently under way.
‘More information’
A commission spokesman said: “It was brought to our attention by a previous treasurer of the Ulster Unionist Party that a bank account had not been disclosed to the party’s appointed auditors.
“The commission began discussions with the party about this matter and asked for more information and evidence about the party’s assets, including those of accounting units.
“As a result, a second bank account has also been brought to our attention.
“The commission has decided to refer this matter to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and has asked it to investigate whether an offence has been committed.”
Ulster Unionist treasurer Lord Maginnis said he had been working with the commission since he took up the post eight months ago.
“The matter of the undisclosed account has been in the public domain for some time and was brought to the attention of the commission six months ago,” he said.
“We continue to work closely with the commission on all the matters of compliance.”
