Gardaí have arrested two males and searched two properties as part of ongoing investigations targeting the activities of an organised criminal group operating in Ireland engaged in money laundering via money mule and bogus bank accounts.
As part of this ongoing investigation two residences were searched in the Dublin 15 area by members of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) assisted by Gardaí attached to the Special Investigations Unit of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Garda Dog Unit.
During the searches Gardaí seized false passports, fake personal ID, cash in excess of €10k, account books and other financial documentation.
Two men, both aged in their 30s, were arrested as part of the operation. One man is currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at Blanchardstown Station while the second is currently detained at Ballymun Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
At both addresses evidence was found of six people receiving Covid-19 payments, enquiries revealed the people were not entitled to this payment. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has terminated these payments.
Investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow
