A Belfast woman who claimed housing benefits while building a multi-million pound property empire has been ordered to hand over more than 40 properties to the NI authorities.
The Serious and Organised Crime Agency in Northern Ireland alleged that Frances McCluskey derived the majority of her assets through fraudulently claiming benefits for over ten years while at the same time building a substantial property portfolio.
The inquiry revealed the 61-year-old made a large number of false declarations in mortgage applications and obtained more than £4m (€4.65m) in loans.
Under the High Court settlement Ms McCluskey will hand over 41 properties in west Belfast and Spain along with paintings and cash held in bank accounts.
