A high-profile republican who was arrested and charged with multi-million pound fraud offences in Northern Ireland has been acquitted of the charges.

Brian Arthurs, from Co Tyrone, was accused of money-laundering and other criminal charges in May last year.

He was interrogated for 96 hours before being accused of converting criminal property and obtaining a money transfer by deception.

Police claimed the charges arose from a multi-million pound investigation and the defendant was suspected of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He was accused of having £20,000 in his possession which, it was alleged, was the proceeds of money-laundering for the IRA.

However, in court, he was acquitted on all charges after a judge said the prosecution had failed to provide any evidence against him.

He is now taking a complaint to the police ombudsman.