Five cars, €15,000 in cash and a number of “high-value” watches were seized as part of a large search operation targeting an east European organised crime group on Wednesday.
Gardaí from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) conducted a search operation in counties Kildare, Waterford, Laois and Dublin. The operation involved more than 80 personnel searching 15 sites across the four counties.
It was supported by the Dublin armed support unit, the eastern regional armed support unit, the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit, the customs dog unit, and a number of detective units.
The operation targeted an east European organised crime group involved in the laundering of the proceeds of crime through the second-hand car trade.
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The crime group is also involved in the supply of vehicles to Irish organised crime groups throughout the country.
The assets seized on Wednesday are a Tesla electric vehicle, two BMW IX electric vehicles with 221 registration plates, two classic vehicles, €15,000 in cash and a number of watches including Rolex and Cartier brands.
Wednesday’s operation comes following the seizure of 18 high-profile cars last year in connection with this organised crime gang.
A Garda spokesman said the operation was significant in the context of the overall CAB proceeds of crime investigation targeting assets, including properties accrued by the directors of the organised crime gang.
The investigation was ongoing, he added.
