Irish Republican News · June 22, 2012

Tracking device found on car of political activist

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement have blamed British intelligence for planting a tracking device on the car of one of their members in Derry.

The device, which includes a battery pack and what appears to be a GPS tracking device, was discovered on Paul McCallion’s car on Tuesday afternoon.

It was attached to the vehicle with magnets and was hidden on a ledge on the inside of the car’s rear bumper.

Mr McCallion said he discovered the object after a neighbour told him he had seen suspicious activity around the car. “One of the neighbours said he saw people around the car during the night so I got suspicious and decided to check out the car. My house was raided a number of times recently so I suspected that it might be something to do with the police,” he said.

Mr McCallion then took his car to a mechanic who put the vehicle on a hydraulic lift and discovered the object. “It is worrying. It could be an indicator of something more sinister,” he said.

Shortly after the object was discovered the man’s house was searched by the PSNI police who also seized his car. He said the car was returned to him after a number of hours.

A spokesperson for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement said Mr McCallion is a republican activist who is involved in the campaign on behalf of republican prisoners.

“We would like to make people aware of the activities of the British intelligence services. We are not surprised by these actions. We would also urge people to check their vehicles and be mindful of the activities of these organisations. If anyone finds anything suspicious they should contact a member of the Sovereignty Movement,” he said.

The organisation said it had concerns over interference by the PSNI with other vehicles owned by republican activists.

“They have seized another similar Vauxhall Vectra car from a former POW in Tyrone leaving him at the side of the road miles from his home with child seats, schoolbags and other belongings,” it said.

“They have also been active in Creggan estate and were spotted under the car of another member of 32csm [the 32 County Sovereignty Movement].

“The man subsequently sold the car within days and they were then seen to be attempting to tamper with the replacement during the early hours of the morning.”

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