Issue Date: 19th October 2024
Earlier this week, Gardaí carried out a two day Inter-agency search operation targeting Intellectual Property (IP) crime in the Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe & Claremorris areas.
This operation was conducted by Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Crime Unit, Mayo South Community Engagement, Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Intellectual Property Crime Investigation Unit of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). Assistance was provided by colleagues in Revenue Customs, Workplace Relations Commission and the Social Welfare Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
A number of business premises were searched as part of this operation and over 800 suspected counterfeit items were seized.
These items were fake Apple products (subject to examination) with an estimated loss of revenue of €160,000.
No arrests have been made at this time and investigations are ongoing.
Intellectual Property crime is estimated to cost the EU economy over €85 Billion per year and can pose serious risks to public health, safety and job security.
