Gardaí have arrested a man in his 40s as part of an investigation into fraudulent claims of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
In June of this year, An Garda Síochána issued a warning to the public in relation to a phishing email purporting to be from Courts Service where individuals were told they had been selected for jury service.
Over 70 persons responded to this fraudulent message and provided personal data. This data was used to make fraudulent applications for PUP payments and resulted in over €165,000 being paid out.
Gardaí seconded to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, along with the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and local Gardaí in Cork identified and arrested a suspect today, Tuesday 8th December 2020. He is currently being detained under the Provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Midleton Garda station. He can be held for up to 24 hours.
Investigations ongoing.
