Irish crime gangs used Russian networks to launder at least €2m a month

Bundles of banknotes seized by Britain's National Crime Agency as it and other international agencies brought down a multibillion-dollar money laundering network run by two Russian millionaires. Picture: National Crime Agency/PA

Irish drug gangs were sending at least €2m per month over recent years into Russian money laundering networks targeted in a British-US operation.

Security estimates suggest that in the region of €50m may have been laundered by Irish organised crime groups, including the Kinahan cartel, through the worldwide networks.