Gardaí carry out search at Sean Quinn home

Police in the Republic of Ireland have carried out searches at the home of former billionaire businessman Sean Quinn in Co Cavan.

It's part of an ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána into alleged criminal activity in Cavan and the wider border region.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

The former billionaire businessman confirmed to local media that the search took place and that officers took his phone, diary and boxes of items - but said he did not know why.

Chris McGettigan, Mr Quinn's solicitor, said the two-hour search operation came as a surprise and his client had not been informed what specific allegations gardai were investigating.

"We don't know what the complaints that have been made against him actually are," said Mr McGettigan.

Mr McGettigan said gardai said they were investigating claims of harassment but did not provide details.

"You're entitled to know who's making allegations against you, anyone is entitled to know what allegations are being made, but they are not forthcoming," he added.

"As we stand, neither ourselves or Mr Quinn know what the allegations are that being made against him, if any."

The solicitor questioned whether some of the documents taken may be legally privileged, but he said it was hard to determine exactly what had been seized, as he said gardai did not leave a list of what they had removed from the property.

A spokesperson for Gardai said: "Gardaí based in the Cavan/ Monaghan Garda Division carrying out an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged criminal activity in Cavan and wider border region have today executed a search warrant issued by a District Court Judge under the Section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, at a domestic residence in County Cavan.

"As this is an ongoing Criminal Investigation An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment."