DEFRA apply for extradition of Irishman for alleged egg fraud

British authorities have applied for the extradition of an Irish businessman for his alleged involvement in egg fraud.

Defra told the Ranger (www.theranger.co.uk)it could confirm that, "pursuant to a European arrest warrant, an Irish national has been arrested by the Garda Sichona in connection with an investigation conducted by Defra relating to the marketing of eggs in the UK."

The individual concerned, businessman Pearse Piggott, has since appeared before the High Court in Ireland. Mr Piggott (48), of Ballylennon, Gort, Co Galway, who runs the egg distribution firm Pearse Piggott and Sons, was granted bail on condition that he sign on with the local police, surrender his passport and all travel documents, reside at his home address, and provide a surety of €10,000.

He is alleged to have been involved in a multi-million-pound fraud in which eggs were falsely passed off to consumers as free range or organic. Charges against him include conspiracy to defraud, false accounting and perverting the course of justice. All the alleged offences are said to have taken place between January 1 2004 and the end of December 2007.

The extradition application follows an investigation by the Defra Investigation Service into Heart of England Eggs, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Three people have been charged as a result of the investigation. Keith Owen, Alan Owen and Carol Owen are all charged with conspiracy to defraud. Keith Owen and Carol Owen are also charged with perverting the course of justice. In addition, Keith Owen faces charges of using a false instrument and false accounting.

Their trial is expected to take place next year. It could last up to three months.