The NCA became fully operational in Northern Ireland in May 2015 and works closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

It is focussed on tackling organised crime - including child sexual exploitation, drugs and money laundering - and is conducting the ongoing investigation into the Nama property scandal.

A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency told The Irish News: “The National Crime Agency is committed to tackling organised crime throughout the UK.

“In Northern Ireland the NCA works closely with the PSNI and recorded 44 disruptions between April 2015 and March 2016.

“Thirty-eight disruptions are related to the child sexual exploitation threat (two joint NCA/PSNI investigations - 36 people have been arrested); five to drugs and one to money laundering.”

The spokesman added: “The UK International Crime Bureau (hosted by NCA) provides ongoing assistance to a number of PSNI operations - including a Lithuanian drugs investigation with links to Northern Ireland and a missing persons enquiry.”