A man aged in his late 20s is expected to appear before a sitting of Dublin District Court (CCJ No 1.) this morning (8/6/2020) at 10.30am to face charges in connection with this investigation.
Three other men arrested and detained as part of the investigation were released without charge, files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A fifth man arrested during the operation is currently charged and before the courts.
A man aged in his late 20s is expected to appear before a sitting of Dublin District Court (CCJ No 1.) this morning (8/6/2020) at 10.30am to face charges in connection with this investigation.
Three other men arrested and detained as part of the investigation were released without charge, files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A fifth man arrested during the operation is currently charged and before the courts.
Images associated with the operation can be found on An Garda Síochána Facebook
Previous press releases outlining details of the case to date are included below.
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) Search and Arrest Operation Dublin 3rd June, 2020
Gardaí attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) assisted by Romanian speaking Gardaí and also Gardaí seconded to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) carried out a number of searches in DMR North and DMR West this morning Wednesday 3rd June, 2020.
Gardaí identified a number of bogus companies established by a criminal organisation and a large number of bank accounts set up in both false names and money mules. Gardaí have established that about €1.5 million was laundered through these accounts. This money is the proceeds of various cyber enabled frauds like 'smishing' and 'vishing', organised prostitution and thefts. Documentation pertaining to these companies and these bank accounts along with identifications, cash and phones were seized and are being examined.
A total of eight searches were carried out and four men were arrested for criminal activity, money laundering and obstruction. The four men are Romanian nationals and aged in their late 20s and early 30s. Two are being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at Clontarf and Ballymun Garda Stations, one is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Raheny and the fourth man was arrested for obstruction and was taken to Swords Garda Station.
Further Search & Arrest GNECB, 3rd June, 2020.
Update 1 - Further Search & Arrest GNECB, 3rd June, 2020
Gardaí attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) have made a further arrest this morning, 3rd June, 2020 in relation to the criminal organisation investigation.
A further search took place in North Dublin and one man, mid 30s was arrested and is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Store Street Garda Station.
During the course of the search approximately €30,000 in cash and documentation regarding fraud was seized.
This brings a total of 5 persons detained in relation to this matter.
Investigations are ongoing.
Update 2 - Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB)
Search and Arrest Operation Dublin 3rd June, 2020
Four of the five men arrested by Gardaí attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and Gardaí seconded to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) during searches carried out in North and West Dublin on Wednesday 3rd June, remain in Garda custody.
All four continue to be detained for questioning at Ballymun, Clontarf, Store Street and Irishtown Garda Stations.
A fifth man arrested in the operation has been charged with Obstruction contrary to Sec 10(4) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997 and released to appear before a sitting of Swords District Court next month.
In excess of €65k in 14 different bank accounts associated with this group has now been frozen under money laundering legislation. Cash €31k has been seized along with alcohol estimated to be valued at €2,784.
Investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow.
Investigations ongoing.
