In November 2007 a Garda investigation was launched under the designation of Operation Tie.
This investigation was set up to target car dealers based on the west side of Dublin City who were suspected of being involved in criminal activity. The investigation team included members of the Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Gardai were investigating car dealers who were suspected of importing high value vehicles from the United Kingdom and that these vehicles were being under declared.
On the 12th December 2007 a major search operation took place targeting these car dealers. This Operation involved the searching of thirty two sites including business premises, private residences and professional offices connected to the targets and their associates.
On the 12th December 2007 a male (58yrs) was arrested and detained at Finglas Garda station, he was released without charge.
On the 22nd May 2008 two other males (both 40 yrs) were arrested and detained at Clondalkin Garda station, they were both release without charge.
All of the above suspects were charged before Tallaght District Ct on the 26th March 2009 and subsequently sent forward for trial.
On the 16th March 2011 the 58yr old male was convicted and received a three year prison sentence with the final two years suspended.
On the 21st Oct 2011 a 40yr old male was convicted and received two years imprisonment which were suspended and was also fined €12,700.
On the 21st Nov 2012 a 40yr old male was convicted at Dublin Circuit Court No. 7 and was remanded on bail for sentence to Circuit Court No 13 on the 13th July 2012.
