As part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity a cross border multi agency operation was carried out this morning (1/9/2011).
It involved officers from the Garda Organised Crime Unit, NBCI, Criminal Assets Bureau, Revenue Customs Service, supported by the Emergency Response Unit, and Gardai from Divisional Units in the Northern and Western Regions including Regional Support Units. The Police Service of Northern Ireland, and HM Revenue and Customs were also involved in the cross border operation.
During the operation a search was carried out at Corragarry, Casteblaney, Co Monaghan where a fuel laundering plant was uncovered. Searches were also carried out at five filling stations in counties Galway, Offaly, Dublin, Westmeath, and Roscommon.
Four men were arrested by Gardai during the operation. A male aged in his 20s and a second in his 30s are currently detained at Monaghan Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Two men aged in their 40s are also detained at Tullamore and Roscommon Garda Stations under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
During the operation approximately 140,000 litres of laundered fuel was seized.
A number of searches were carried out at business premises in counties Armagh and Tyrone by Officers from HM Revenue and Customs and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Investigations are continuing.
Note:
This multi agency cross border investigation relates to excise evasion, money laundering and other offences surrounding the laundering and sale of green diesel through a number of rented retail garage outlets.
