Ex-Anglo Irish bank boss charged with fraud

The man who used to be in charge of the bank most connected to Ireland’s financial crisis has been charged with 16 fraud-related offences.

After being arrested on Tuesday morning, the former head of Anglo Irish Sean Fitzpatrick, appeared before a Dublin court.

Fitzpatrick, who is currently on bail, is accused of allowing Anglo Irish to give “unlawful financial assistance” to 16 people – including his wife and five children – so they could buy shares in the bank four years ago.

The 64-year-old remained silent while the charges were read out in court.

The highest profile banker in Ireland to face a prison term, if convicted Fitzpatrick could get five years behind bars.

Nationalisation of Anglo Irish will cost Irish taxpayers around 30 billion euros.

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