A LIMERICK TD and Minister of State at the Justice Department has praised proposed new powers for the Garda Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in tackling crime.
Under proposed new legislation, persons who are only suspected of pocketing cash or assets from the proceeds of crime may find their bank accounts seized by CAB, set up in 1996 as a direct response to the murders of Limerick Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and investigative journalist Veronica Guerin, which occurred 21 days apart that year.
The proposed new laws strengthening the powers at CAB, led by Limerick native, Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins, has received huge support by the Limerick Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State at the Justice Department, Niall Collins.
The Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025, first introduced before the Dáil last month, now in its final stages, will also reduce the time frame for assets deemed to be the proceeds of crime from seven years to just two.
The legislation will also give CAB extra investigative powers including the freezing of bank accounts for up to seven days where Gardaí have reasonable suspicion accounts contain proceeds of crime.
This would assist Gardaí in responding more quickly to criminals trying to hide or move financial assets.
It is proposed district courts would be able to issue restraint orders for up to 90 days, with the option to renew, to prevent the dissipation of suspected criminal assets.
Any breach of the court directions would result in criminal charges being preferred on suspects.
The Bill also aims to introduce measures ensuring the quick appointment of receivers for assets which are determined by the courts to be proceeds of crime.
This will prevent those being targeted from continuing to benefit from the property or cash during the disposal process.
Another key part of the Bill is that once a court has determined that assets are proceeds of crime, this finding cannot be repeatedly challenged, which will significantly reduce delays in CAB taking possession of proceeds of crime and recouping monies for the exchequer.
The legislative changes are being hailed as the most substantial reform of Ireland’s civil assets forfeiture laws since CAB’s inception in 1996, following the murder of investigative journalist Veronica Guerin.
Minister Collins said the new proposed powers for CAB will make a big difference in the ongoing fight against the most dangerous of criminal gangs.
“It is a real achievement of this government that we are strengthening the State’s ability to identify, freeze, and confiscate assets linked to serious and organised crime,” Minister Collins said.
“This is the most significant update to CAB’s powers since its establishment almost 20 years ago.
“The Bill strengthens CAB’s investigative powers, with new provisions to freeze bank accounts when there is a reasonable suspicion that it is being used to hold proceeds of crime.
“To address the risk of funds being moved quickly or hidden, a direction can be given from CAB to a financial institution to freeze an account for up to seven days.”
Minister Collins said that “we have seen how effective CAB is in the fight against the most dangerous criminals in the country, so I am happy to support them with these new powers as we seek to build stronger and safer communities.”
Since its establishment in 1996, CAB has recovered over €219.8million for the State.
