On 10th September 2013, officers of The Criminal Assets Bureau carried out a number of searches of residences in the Rathkeale and Raheen areas of Limerick and Newmarket in Co. Cork.
This search operation relates to an ongoing investigation into the assets and financial affairs of persons suspected of involvement in extensive criminality including labour exploitation, counterfeiting fraud, tarmac scams, tobacco smuggling, and the theft of rhino horns and Chinese cultural artefacts. These searches were carried out with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit and local Gárdai from Limerick.
The Criminal Assets Bureau has been involved in a Europol initiative, which was set up in 2010, specifically to target the criminal activities of this international criminal group.
Since 2010 there have been in excess of sixty documented thefts of rhino horns and rare Chinese cultural artefacts from museums and private collections throughout Europe. The value of the property stolen is estimated to be in excess of €40 million.
In conjunction with the ongoing investigation in this jurisdiction, The UK Serious Organised Crime Agency and local police forces carried out over 30 searches throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
Today’s search operation was carried out to gather evidence. A large quanity of documentation was seized, as well as a small amount of cash and a number of artifacts which will all form part of the ongoing investigation. The Criminal Assets Bureau will continue to liaise with our international police colleagues via Europol.
No spokesperson or further information will be made available at this time as this is an ongoing operation. A number of photographs are available, on request from the Garda Press Office pressoffice@garda.ie
