Encrypted network data forms part of case against man charged with murder of Irish crime boss Robbie Lawlor
Data obtained from an encrypted communications network features in the case against a man charged with the murder Irish crime boss Robbie Lawlor, a court heard today.
Police claimed Paul Drew, 41, was involved in the assassination in north Belfast more than six years ago based on information within the EncroChat platform and CCTV inquiries.
Lawlor, 36, was gunned down in broad daylight outside a house at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area on April 4, 2020.
The shooting took place during a violent drugs feud between rival factions in the Republic of Ireland.
Drew, of Whitebrook Park in Tallaght, Dublin, was arrested in Liverpool on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the killing.
He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court to face charges of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
A detective constable from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Team said she could connect him to both alleged offences.
Questioned by a defence lawyer, she confirmed the evidence against Drew in connection with the murder relates to data obtained from the EncroChat network.
“Also the correlation of other CCTV and telecom inquiries within the whole investigation,” the detective disclosed.
According to Drew’s solicitor up to a dozen other suspects have been interviewed but not yet charged based on the same data.
The detective responded that a further decision is awaited on a file submitted to prosecutors in the Republic of Ireland.
No application for bail was made during the brief hearing.
District Judge Steven Keown remanded Drew in custody until September 28, when he is expected to mount a bid to be released from prison.
Lawlor had been a suspect in the abduction and murder of Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready-Woods in January 2020.
He is believed to have travelled to Northern Ireland because he feared an attempt on his own life.
Two other men have already been charged with the murder as part of an alleged joint plot to kill the gangland figure.