Issue Date: 22nd November 2023
As part of ongoing investigations into the activities of an Eastern European organised criminal group Gardaí from the Meath / Westmeath Divisional Crime Hub commenced a search and arrest operation in Mullingar, County Westmeath, on Tuesday 21st November 2023.
In the course of the operation seven proprieties were searched under warrant on Tuesday, 21st November resulting in the seizure of sums of cash totalling €104,500 along with a number of stolen vehicle parts, jewellery and watches with an approximate value of €50,000. A number of financial accounts were also frozen as part of this investigation which contained in excess of €80,000.
Two individuals, a male in his 40s and female in her 30s, were arrested under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act and detained for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the midlands. Both have since been released without charge and files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Three further searches were conducted at properties in Mullingar this morning, Wednesday 22nd November. A stolen car was recovered at one of the locations and a male in his 20s arrested. He has since been charged and brought before the Courts.
This operation was led by members of the Meath / Westmeath Divisional Crime Hub supported by Gardaí attached to; Westmeath Community Engagement, Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit (SMVIU) of NCBI, Department of Social Protection, Westmeath Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit, Garda Dog Unit and the Eastern Region Armed Support Unit.
Investigations are ongoing.
