A hand-writing analyst has been called in as part of a new inquiry into the affairs of ousted loyalist chief Ihab Shoukri, it was claimed tonight.
The expert studied an Ulster Defence Association statement seized during a police raid on a north Belfast bar where suspected paramilitaries were gathered, sources said.
Mr Shoukri (32) is being questioned about serious crime in an area once controlled by him and his brother André.
His arrest on Tuesday night came a week after the UDA expelled both men from the outlawed paramilitary organisation.
Police tonight refused to disclose any further details on the investigation, but authoritative sources claimed it was linked to the statement found during searches of the Alexander Bar on the York Road.
"It was hand-written and found in somebody else's pocket, but they have been checking to see who actually wrote it," one informed source claimed.
Mr Shoukri was one of 17 men held after police in riot gear stormed the pub in March. At the time it was alleged they were preparing for a paramilitary show of strength.
A lawyer for Mr Shoukri claimed, however, that the men were preparing to announce an end to all UDA crime.
The seized document detailed how the organisation planned to take its resistance to a united Ireland into the political arena.
It also said: "However, this does not spell the end for the UDA. We want to reassure you all that the Ulster Defence Association is here to stay."
Earlier this month, Ihab Shoukri was cleared of charges that he was a member of the organisation and its military wing — the Ulster Freedom Fighters.
A judge said the offences related to a snapshot in time which was now historic. But within days the terror organisation's inner council announced it had thrown out both brothers.
The purge followed growing resentment at how they were running the UDA's so-called brigade in north Belfast. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Andre Shoukri (29) had squandered stg£863,000 of UDA money in a two-year gambling spree at one Belfast bookmakers.
He is currently remanded in jail on charges of blackmail, intimidation and money laundering. While in custody, his brother, Ihab, was widely believed to have controlled the unit - until both were deposed.
The SDLP's Alban Maginness praised the police offensive on loyalist paramilitaries.
"The UDA has caused major problems in this area for many years. Any clampdown by the police on elements within that organisation is to be welcomed," the Assembly member for North Belfast said.
PA