Two Irish nationals are likely to face criminal charges after being arrested in Australia for their alleged role in a crime syndicate which defrauded at least 150 people of almost $4m (€2.7m).

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The memory of race rioting cast a shadow over Australia Day celebrations today as hundreds of extra police patrolled beaches to prevent possible fresh flare-ups.

AUSTRALIANS were warned yesterday to stay away from beaches in three cities this weekend with police saying they have credible evidence that racial violence was being planned.