INVESTIGATING gardai tonight have announced that the search for Willie Maughan and his partner Anastasija Varslavane in north county Dublin had ended.
Cops admitted that “nothing of evidential value” had been found during the high-profile dig for the missing pair, presumed murdered.
Officers began searching an area of bog at Ring Commons in Balrothery, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, last Friday after receiving information the bodies could be there.
The site is next to land which was owned by gangland psycho Cornelius Price, who has since died and is suspected of committing the shocking crime.
In a statement, a garda spokesperson continued to appeal for anyone with information to come forward, and said the families had been notified of the developments.
They said: “Gardai investigating the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane have stood down the search operation that began on Friday 15th November, 2024 on open lands in north County Dublin.
“An Garda Siochana have updated the family as to these developments.
“Nothing of evidential value was located during the search operation.
“Gardai continue to appeal to anyone with information in relation to the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anna Varslavane to speak with investigating Gardai.”
The spokesperson continued: “Given the passage of time since their disappearance individuals personal circumstances may now have changed and people may now be in a position to either speak to investigating Gardai or to provide information now that they may not have been able to provide before.
“An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
“Any information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Earlier this week, we revealed how investigators suspect Price killed right-hand man Willie Maughan and his lover because he knew too much about the gangster’s drug empire.
Gardai said Willie, 34, worked as Price’s enforcer for several years and often collected the gang’s drug debts.
But things took a nasty turn when Willie wanted to get away from that life after learning his girlfriend was due a baby.
NEW LIFE PLANS
A Garda source said: “Once she became pregnant, he and Ana wanted to start a new life together, away from Price.
“The day they went missing on April 14, 2015 he told Price he’d sold his caravan and was moving out.
“He called his mother to pick him up in Stamullen, but neither he nor Ana appeared. We believe, when he found out Willie was leaving, Price decided there and then to kill both of them.
“Under no circumstances was Price going to let Willie leave the gang because he just knew far too much about his drug business.
“He was Price’s right-hand man and enforcer for many years and there was no way Price would let him out.”
Price died from a brain disease in a Welsh Hospital in February 2023.
PARENTS’ HEARTBREAK
The search being stood down without any finding will be devastating for Willie’s parents who were hoping their son’s remains would be discovered amid the fresh searches.
Speaking to The Irish Sun last week heartbroken dad Joe said: ““We don’t know what the outcome of this search will be and all we can do is hope and pray they are found.
“All we have ever wanted is to give them the Christian burial they deserve.”
Willie’s parents Joe and Nell also appealed at the dig site for anyone with information to come forward so they can finally get closure.
Dad Joe, 70, said: “It’s nine years now and things change. I would like anyone to pass on any information.
“It might not mean a lot to them but it will mean a lot to us and the police. Let us have closure.”
