A glamorous couple, who had €1m drug charges against them dropped five years ago, have settled a case with the Criminal Assets Bureau - allowing their luxury property and other assets worth €170k to be seized. Eduard, 49 and Natalia, 42, Chiper, originally from Moldova but living outside Drogheda in Co Louth, were being pursued by the CAB in the High Court to take their two-storey luxury mansion at The White House, Tullyard in Ballymakenny, and other assets off them under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In June, the couple consented for a receiver to be appointed to take charge of a 171 E220 Mercedes which was purchased new for approximately €70k.
On Friday, counsel for the CAB told Mr Justice Alexander Owens, the couple have agreed, on consent, to settle the case. READ MORE: Glamorous couple who previously faced €1m drugs charge now face CAB rap READ MORE: When is Storm Ashley coming to Ireland? Tracker as Met Eireann issues 14-hour weather warning Assets seized and agreed by the couple to be returned to the Exchequer include their luxury mansion with 90% of the net sale going to the Exchequer and 10% going back to the couple; a 171 Mercedes E220 purchased new for €70k; a total of €98k from various bank accounts and €5k in cash. “There is agreement on consent on behalf of both parties,” counsel for the CAB said.
Mr Justice Owens said he notes the undertaking and agreement of the respondents and made no order for costs. The couple were previously fighting the cas.