Issue Date: 8th August 2024
As part of an ongoing investigation being conducted at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) into sale of illegal material on Darknet Markets and Money Laundering involving extensive use of cryptocurrencies, Detectives attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), supported by the Armed Support Unit, conducted a search of a residence in North County Dublin on the morning of 5th August 2024.
Two males (aged 23 and 49) were arrested on suspicion of alleged offences of Enhancing the Capability of a Criminal Organisation to Commit a Serious Offence contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and were detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda Stations in South Dublin.
A 32 year old female was also arrested on suspicion of alleged offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 and detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, as amended.
The 49 year old male and 32 year old female have since been released from custody pending the submission of a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The 23 year old male remains in garda custody.
During the course of this search, GNCCB investigators seized substantial assets, most notably Crypto Currency, namely Bitcoin and Monero, with a current market value of approximately €6.5 million euros, along with luxury brand watches worth in excess of €120,000 and two high powered vehicles valued in the region of €220,000.
D / Superintendent Michael Mullen of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau stated –
"The arrests of the three individuals and the assets seized are the result of a highly complex investigation into criminal Darknet Marketplace activities by specialist investigators attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. These Law Enforcement actions demonstrate Irelands continued determination that this jurisdiction is not a safe place for persons involved in any form of criminality and the determination of An Garda Síochána to prevent those involved in criminality of benefitting financially from same, irrespective of what form such profits takes. I would also like to reassure the public that this Darknet market, where illegal good and services were for sale, is no longer in operation”
