More than €1 million, half of which was in crypto currency, has been seized or frozen as part of a Garda operation targeting organised crime gangs operating in Galway and Mayo.
Gardaí in the Galway Division carried out searches on Monday at a number of premises in Tuam and in Moycullen in Co Galway.
During the searches €75,000 in cash, three vehicles, a Tiguan jeep, Audi A5 car and a Ford Transit van, were seized, as well as a large amount of “high value goods” gardaí said, including 12 designer watches and multiple electronic devices.
Gardaí attached to Galway Divisional Crime, Galway Drugs Unit, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit, were involved in the search.
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In addition, two bank accounts, both within and outside the jurisdiction, with cash and cryptocurrency valued in excess of €990,000 were frozen under money laundering legislation. One of these accounts held €530,000 worth of crypto currency and the second held €465,000 cash.
No arrests have been made at this time. The operation was focused on “disrupting and dismantling organised criminal groups within the Galway Division” and remains ongoing gardaí said.
It is understood the groups targeted by gardaí have been involved in the importation and sale of cannabis and cocaine in the west of Ireland. They have been involved in an ongoing feud with each other which has led to several violent incidents in recent months, including petrol bombings and assaults.
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