CAB breaks new ground by seizing criminal’s car
The criminal, who cannot be named, is a member of a notorious gang of “professional burglars” who have carried out robberies across the country.
He and other members of the gang have received at least one conviction for burgling several houses.
It is understood that CAB have previously seized assets belonging to the gang under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
CAB officials decided to take the unusual move yesterday to seize an 08 car, worth €25,000, belonging to the man after he failed to pay a tax demand which had been issued to him. In addition to its power to seize assets, such as properties, deemed to be the proceeds of crime, CAB also has the power to assess suspected criminal income enjoyed by a suspect and hit him or her with a tax demand.
In this case, CAB issued a tax assessment in 2008, which the man appealed in the courts.
However, he subsequently withdrew the appeal and CAB issued a tax demand last March.
After they failed to receive the tax owed, CAB identified a valuable 08 car owned by their target.
They called on the assistance of the Dublin county sheriff and moved to seize the car from the man’s house in west Dublin yesterday morning.
It is understood CAB may consider using this method more in the future in similar situations.
