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.
Investigations ongoing.
