Kinahan passport fraudsters jailed

Crime bosses who helped gang leaders flee sent down for 14 yrs

-  NICOLA DONNELLY

TWO crime bosses who supplied “golden ticket” false passports to gangsters including Christy Kinahan Snr were jailed yesterday. 

Mobsters paid up to £20,000 for the fraudulently obtained genuine (FOG) papers, which enabled them to go on the run and start a new life abroad.

Anthony Beard, 61, who paid vulnerable people for their expired passports so he could apply for renewals using their names but criminals’ photos, was sentenced to six years and eight months.

He admittted conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to make a false instrument with intent. Another 74 offences linked to fraudulent passports were taken into consideration.

Christopher Zietek, 67, who changed his name from McCormack, was handed an eight-year term for the same offences and converting criminal property.