Details emerged as the 56-year-old was granted bail on charges of possessing criminal property and cannabis with intent to supply
Belfast High Court(Image: Google Streetview)
A wealthy businesswoman arrested after suspected drugs and a rifle were seized from her family home in south Belfast could allegedly be operating an international money-laundering network, the High Court heard today.
High-value jewellery and £11,000 in cash was also confiscated following searches of Hanita Rai’s house at Danesfort Park Place last month, a judge was told.
PSNI detectives are now liaising with other law enforcement agencies to establish the scale of the suspected operation.
Details emerged as Rai, a 56-year-old Indonesian national, was granted bail on charges of possessing criminal property and cannabis with intent to supply.
Police recovered quantities of suspected Class A, B and C drugs along with a gun and ammunition during the searches on February 20.
The businesswoman’s 25-year-old son Christian Rai faces charges of possessing cocaine, MDMA, magic mushrooms, cannabis, ketamine and zopiclone, all with intent to supply.
He is further accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, having criminal property, and using someone else to mind a dangerous weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The court heard large bags of herbal cannabis were allegedly found in Hanita Rai’s bedroom, with the rifle located in the same area of the house.
Cash, jewellery, gold, diamonds, laptop computers and mobile phones were also seized.
Hanita Rai denies knowing anything about the suspected gun or drugs, and claims the jewellery had been gifted to her.
As prosecutors opposed bail amid claims the defendant could abscond, Madam Justice McBride was told she was planning a four-week trip to Indonesia later this month for a wedding.
“Her business interests are very much on an international basis,” Crown counsel Mark Conlon submitted.
A police detective also disclosed that the Economic Crime Unit is now involved in examining documents and her financial affairs.
“Preliminary inquiries in relation to Hanita Rai indicate she may be operating an expansive international money-laundering network,” the detective said.
“The PSNI are currently engaging with other law enforcement agencies to establish the true nature of this activity.”
It was stressed that Rai is not charged with any money-laundering offences.
A defence lawyer argued police had failed to produce any evidence to support those allegations.
He told the court his client has been living in Northern Ireland for eight years, but travels outside the jurisdiction to support her family.
Insisting Rai knew nothing about any alleged criminal activity, the barrister said: “The other defendant is her son, this is creating a significant amount of anguish to both her and her husband.”
Counsel described the family as having “considerable means” but contended much of that wealth is tied up in the jewellery and other items seized by police.
With Rai said to earn up to £12,500 a month, at one point it was suggested that the £11,000 in seized cash was in the house to pay a cleaner.
Madam Justice McBride agreed to grant bail but ordered that a £50,000 cash surety must be lodged in court.
Rai must also surrender all travel documents and passports as part of the strict terms of her release.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
