Issue Date: 04/02/2026
On 2nd February 2026, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), in coordination with Europol and authorities in Malta and the United Kingdom, carried out a day of action as part of an ongoing online fraud investigation targeting an international organised crime group with connections to Malta, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
The operation centres on a scheme that targeted approximately 200 Maltese nationals, resulting in losses estimated at €1 million.
During the operation in Malta, two individuals—a 25-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man—were arrested.
As part of the investigation, An Garda Síochána searched multiple properties in the Donegal area, leading to the seizure of electronic devices of evidential value. No arrests were made during this phase of the investigation.
Investigations are ongoing.
