A NUMBER of properties across the country have been raided by the Garda Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) as part of an investigation into suspected criminality and money laundering linked to Limerick criminals.
Over 150 Gardaí gathered at various locations at dawn, in an operation led by CAB, and supported by armed officers attached to the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU), the Armed Support Unit (ASU), as well as uniformed members and detectives attached to local Garda Divisions.
The massive Garda contingent swooped on addresses in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Dublin, and Mayo in the early morning raids.
Gardaí say the raid was in connection with an ongoing CAB investigation into targets linked to a “Munster-based organised crime group” which is “involved in laundering the proceeds of organised criminality through the second-hand motor trade, real estate purchases, property developments, and the purchase of high-value goods”.
Gardaí recovered drugs and over €200,000 in cash, and arrested one man on suspicion of possession of cocaine, a reliable Garda source said.
A statement from An Garda Síochána said that “during the course of these operations, €218,000 in cash was seized in addition to 27 vehicles, six Rolex watches, five jet-skis’, two rigid inflatable boats and designer goods (Louis Vuitton bags)”.
Electronic devices and “assorted documentation including financial documents” were also seized, along with a quantity of suspected cocaine.
The man was being held for questioning at a Garda station in Limerick.
Homes, businesses, and professional offices were searched as part of the probe.
A number of car sales businesses were also searched in the operation, and Gardaí seized up to 20 high powered vehicles, the source added.
Gardaí also seized expensive watches and were targeting other assets they suspected were linked to the proceeds of crime.
A Garda source said CAB were examining the assets of a number of individuals, which included high-powered road vehicles and sea vessels, including jet skies and a yacht.
More to follow…
