The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has today conducted a search operation in four counties including Waterford, with the seizure of cash as well as high-end cars and watches.
In a statement, Gardai said this morning’s operation targeted an East European organised crime group involved in the laundering of the proceeds of crime through the second hand car trade.
The operation involved over 80 personnel searching fifteen search sites across four counties; Waterford, Laois, Kildare and Dublin.
The search operation was conducted by Bureau Officers supported by the Dublin Armed Support Unit, the Eastern Regional Armed Support Unit, the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit, The Customs Dog Unit, Kildare Detective Unit, Portlaoise Detective Unit and detectives attached to the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
Gardai say the organised crime gang is also involved in the supply of vehicles to Irish gangs throughout the country.
Today’s operation targeted assets, including properties acquired by the directors of the gang. Assets seized today included the following:
• 1 Tesla electric Vehicle
• 2 BMW IX electric vehicles (221 registrations)
• 2 classic vehicles
• €15,000 in cash
• A number of high value watches including Rolex and Cartier Brands.
Today’s operation follows search others conducted by CAB in late 2021, when it seized 18 high-end cars including Audi Q7s, BMW X5s, Range Rovers, a Jaguar I-Pace and a Tesla.
Gardai have described today's developments as "significant in the context of the overall CAB proceeds of crime investigation targeting assets"
The investigation is ongoing.
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