Gardaí disrupt Islamist fundraising drive in Ireland

Garda HQ said searches were carried out of three homes in the Garda Southern Region and Eastern Region. File picture: Larry Cummins

Garda anti-terror units are beginning the process of examining digital devices and documentation that was seized — along with over €100,000 in cash in various currencies — in an operation targeting Islamist fundraising activity in Ireland.

Security sources said the amount of cash seized indicates that the group targeted was engaged in “substantial” fundraising.

The operation was led by the Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) and was assisted in their searches last Friday by officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

Three homes in the southern and eastern parts of the country were targeted in what is described as an “evidence gathering” phase of the investigation.

It is part of an international operation comprising several countries and Europol, the EU police agency.

In a statement, Garda HQ said searches were carried out of three homes in the Garda Southern Region and Eastern Region.

“[This was] part of an investigation into suspected Terrorist Financing offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act, 2005," it said.

“The searches were led by the Special Detective Unit, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and local Garda resources.” 

The statement said: “In excess of €100,000 cash in various currencies has been seized, along with electronic devices and documentation.

The GNIB is investigating the residency status of those involved, who are non-Irish nationals.

It said this is “an evidence-gathering phase” of the investigation and that no arrests have been made yet and that investigations are ongoing.

It added: “The investigation is part of, and being supported by, international law enforcement and Europol.” 

Sources said the amount of cash seized, and the fact it was made up of various currencies, indicated a “substantial” operation.

Investigators are hoping an examination of documents and mobile phones might provide important information.

They may establish how much money has previously been raised by the group.

The Garda security service has previously warned of an upswing in terrorist financing investigations, mostly related to Islamist fundraising.

A special section was set up within the SDU six years ago and is dealing with, on average, 60 cases a year.

There has been concern internationally at an expanding network — known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) — and the resurgence of the original Islamic State, based in Syria.