It has come to the attention of Gardai that a number of business people have fallen victim to a particular type fraud.
The people in question have responded to advertisements in the media offering unsecured loans with keen rates of interest. When contact is made, the loan “applicants” are asked to deposit a sum of money, in cash, with the “lender”. The”lender” than made off with this cash, in some cases threatening violence.
Gardai investigating a number of these offences have arrested five men in to separate operations in the Eastern and Western Regions. Following an incident at Gort on the 1st December two men were arrested and were detained at Ennis Garda station. They have been released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Garda investigating an incident in Mullingar on the 1st November 2010 arrested three men on the 15th November 2010. Two men were charged and appeared at Athlone District court on the 17th of November, the were released on bail to reappear on the 9th of December at Mullingar District Court, where they were further remanded to February 2011. The third man was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the D.P.P.
Gardai wish to warn that people they should be cautious and should only deal with legitimate financial institutions. Legitimate financial institutions do not arrange loans in car parks of supermarkets etc .
If anyone has any information about this type of activity or suspicion in regard to transaction you are getting involved in, please contact your local Garda station.
If you have been a victim of this type of crime please contact your local Garda station.
Garda Press Office.
