Diesel laundering operation uncovered in west Dublin

Customs officers make find during raid at industrial estate in Blanchardstown

A view of the fuel-laundering operation that was uncovered yesterday at an industrial estate in west Dublin. Photograph: Revenue
A view of the fuel-laundering operation that was uncovered yesterday at an industrial estate in west Dublin. Photograph: Revenue

Customs officers have discovered a diesel laundering operation on an industrial estate in Blanchardstown, west Dublin.

It is believed to be the first laundering operation to be found in Dublin.

The premises on the Orion industrial estate were raided yesterday as part of an intelligence-led operation by Revenue.

A view of the fuel-laundering operation that was uncovered yesterday at an industrial estate in west Dublin. Photograph: Revenue
A view of the fuel-laundering operation that was uncovered yesterday at an industrial estate in west Dublin. Photograph: Revenue

Officers discovered a laundering operation capable of washing over 2.5m litres of agricultural diesel a year , with a potential loss to the Exchequer of about €1.75 million per annum.

READ MORE

Revenue described the operation as relatively unsophisticated, with the fuel being filtered through cat litter.

A van and laundering equipment were seized. No one was arrested but investigations are ongoing.

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times