Halal Meat Plant Owner Faces Court Over €576,000 Fraud Case Involving Farmers

Shannon: Legal proceedings have begun against the owner of a halal meat processing plant in Shannon accused of defrauding multiple farmers by failing to pay for cattle purchases. The alleged debt totals €576,386, owed to 12 farmers, with the case adjourned until February 20.

The defendants are Tarequr Rahman Khan, director of Asba Meats Ltd, and the company itself. A total of 24 summonses have been filed against them. Among the victims, Denis Heffernan of Loughcurra, Kinvara, County Galway, is reportedly owed €243,238 by Asba Meats and Khan.

The Agri-Food Regulator initiated the case under the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Regulations, informing the court that the unpaid amount across all complaints stands at €576,386. The regulator also noted that legal costs in each case are estimated at around €32,000, and that the company failed to comply despite repeated warnings.

Representatives for Asba Meats and Khan told the court that partial payments have been made towards the outstanding sum, and related documents have been submitted. Both parties agreed to an adjournment until February 20, with the defence indicating that matters related to the appointment of a receiver are being resolved, allowing Khan to retain control of the business.

Judge Gabbett stated that the court will decide at the next hearing whether the case should be transferred to the Circuit Court, depending on the progress made. If convicted in the District Court, the defendants face a fine and up to six months in prison. However, a Circuit Court conviction could result in a sentence of up to three years imprisonment.

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