Two people have been arrested in Dublin, by Gardai investigating money laundering.
Officers say the investigation relates to a number of international complaints into various forms of alleged online fraud.
Suspicious activity has been identified in a number of bank accounts, involving transactions from hundreds of accounts from over 15 countries across Europe, suspected to be the proceeds of crime and ‘money mule’ transactions.
Gardai say so far, over €3.25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized.
An address in Blackrock was searched yesterday, and a man and a woman, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene.
A garda spokesperson says: "Yesterday, Tuesday 12th November, 2024 members from the DMR East Division's Economic Crime Unit assisted by members from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) as well as colleagues from Europol executed a search warrant at an address in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
"This search was part of an ongoing investigation into a range of alleged offences including offences contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 and to Section 7 of the Money Laundering of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010.
"This investigation relates to a large scale operation of alleged money laundering. Following a number of international complaints into various forms of alleged online fraud an investigation team was established in the DMR East.
"Suspicious activity was identified in a number of bank accounts, involving money transactions from hundreds of bank accounts from over 15 countries across Europe, suspected to be the proceeds of crime and ‘money mule’ transactions.
"This is an international investigation led by the DMR East Division's Economic Crime Unit co-ordinated by Europol. An incident room has been set up and an Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.
"Gardaí have, to date, seized in excess of €3.25 million in crypto currencies and €20,000 in cash. Other items of potential evidential value including documents and several digital devices have also been seized.
"Two people, a male and a female, both aged in their 30s were arrested at the scene. They are currently being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at a Garda Station in Dublin.
"Investigations are ongoing."
