Big hunt for millionaire

Press, 20 October 1981, Page 6

Big hunt for millionaire

NZPA-Reuter Dublin Intense security activity continued on both sides of the Irish border yesterday as two police forces, backed by two armies, searched for a kidnapped chain-store millionaire, Mr Ben Dunne. But late last evening, in spite of an exhaustive search lasting almost three days, there was still no sign of the missing man or his four abductors. There were no. more reports of efforts by the wealthy Dunne family — owners of more than 60 shops all over Ireland — to pay a ransom. During the week-end the Irish Republic Police, on the directions of the Dublin Government, stepped in to halt

the hand-over of $l.l million at Dundalk, County Lough, just a few kilometres from the frontier crossing point where Mr Dunne was captured at gunpoint on Friday. He had been heading north to open a new shop in County Armagh. Members of the family and Dunne company executives have been under constant police surveillance in case of another contact with the kidnappers. Senior police officers met earlier to review progress in their investigations. The Irish Government’s Justice Minister (Mr Jim Mitchell) was kept informed of developments. It is thought Mr Dunne, aged 32, is most likely being held in Northern Ireland.