Local premises searched in illegal fuel trade investigation
Searches have been carried out this morning (Wednesday) in Westmeath and Roscommon as part of a major investigation into the illegal fuel trade.
This multi-agency operation, which is being led by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), conducted 19 searches in Roscommon, Westmeath, Louth, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Waterford, Offaly, Meath and Tipperary
Over 200 Gardai were involved in the searches, which targeted seven dwellings, ten businesses, and two warehouses/outhouses.
A statement issued by the Garda Press Office said the investigation was focusing on the profits being generated from the illegal fuel trade and in particular on the suspected involvement of an organised crime group based in Louth.
The investigation is being conducted jointly with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
CAB's search operation took place 'at various locations connected to the current investigation and in particular the addresses and business premises of key members of the organised criminal group involved in this illegal activity.'
The Garda statement went on to say that the current focus of this investigation 'is to search for and seize evidence relating to the criminal activity and the assets suspected of deriving from same of the organised crime group.'
To date, CAB had 'identified significant funds being generated and laundered from the sale of laundered diesel (colour marker washed out) and stretched petrol (diluted with methanol)' and the profits from this illegal activity were 'significant,' as was the loss to the Irish Exchequer.
This illegal activity had 'knock on effects on legitimate businesses as well as on unsuspecting customers who have very often experienced damage to the fuel system of their vehicles (from laundered diesel) or poor return per litre of petrol,' said the statement.
The objectives of the operation were 'to seize evidence of assets deriving from oil fraud and money laundering, seize and dismantle illegal oil operations, seize cash or other assets including vehicles used in the criminal activity and to freeze bank accounts.'