Houses raided in rogue traders probe

UP to six houses in the Killarney area were searched yesterday by members of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and Kerry gardaí as part of an investigation into the activities of rogue traders.

Some documents relating to business activities were seized and, in one case, a farmhouse and outbuildings were searched.

No arrests were made during the swoops, which follow several allegations of people being conned by tradesmen carrying out work on their homes in the Cork, Kerry and Limerick areas.

What gardaí described as rogue tradesmen involved in the roofing, guttering and tarmacadam businesses were targeted.

It is believed the homes of some members of the Traveller community in Killarney were searched under warrant.

Superintendent Michael Maher, Killarney, said local detectives and detectives from the Munster region took part in the CAB operation that began at about 6am.

“This marks a progression of a 12-month investigation which is ongoing into the activities of rogue traders,” Superintendent Maher added.

The probe is not confined to the Kerry area, however, and is continuing throughout Munster.

Meanwhile, the CAB is also investigating the activities of two alleged Dublin crime figures in the Dingle Peninsula. A number of houses in the Tralee and Dingle areas were searched recently by detectives.

It is understood the west Kerry investigation is centred on land speculation and property investments by Dublin criminals anxious to develop property portfolios outside of Dublin.

No arrests were made, but the investigation is ongoing, according to the CAB.

One of the people being investigated is believed to be living permanently in west Kerry.