Criminal gangs ‘hire patsies’ to front rogue fuel stations

Customs officials believe criminal gangs are operating up to 150 rogue fuel stations across the country selling laundered diesel, reportedly defrauding the State out of millions of euro in lost revenue.

Following the discovery of the biggest diesel laundering plant in the country — with capacity to launder 20m litres a year — customs officers are expected to now concentrate on rooting out garages selling the contraband product.

Backed by armed gardaí, customs officers raided a laundering plant at Drumboat, Inniskeen, in Monaghan on Monday night.