Local premises searched in illegal fuel trade investigation

Searches have been carried out this morning (Wednesday) in Offaly as part of a major investigation into the illegal fuel trade. The 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.

As part of the operation a large quantity of cash was discovered at two locations searched. A quantity of business records and computers were also seized and will now be subject to forensic examination by CAB. A significant laundry was also discovered, with initial analysis indicating it has the capability of laundering several hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel, which would result in a potential throughput of ten million litres per annum and a loss of some €5.5m to the Exchequer. A quantity in excess of 40,000 litres of what is believed to be laundered fuel was also found on the site as well more than 150 bags of a product known as Bleaching Earth.

In addition 16 tanks each containing 1,000 litres of sludge, which is the waste product resulting from the laundering process, and a 40 foot container were also recovered. The CAB has also frozen in excess of 25 bank accounts suspected to be linked to the operation.

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).