Gardaí examine finances of Romanian prostitution gang after raids in three counties

Three men were arrested in the Garda operation

Armed officers from the elite Emergency Response Unit and the Armed Support Unit supported the searches in which more than 100 gardaí took part. File photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Gardaí are examining evidence gathered in a major search operation against a significant Romanian crime group involved in organised prostitution.

Detectives intend to build a case on money laundering charges against the leaders and operators of the gang. More than 100 gardaí took part in Wednesday's operation which hit addresses in Dublin and the wider Eastern Region.

Armed officers from the elite Emergency Response Unit and the Armed Support Unit were tasked with supporting the searches. The investigation is being led by detectives at Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin’s north inner city, assisted by a number of regional and national units.

These included the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, which has a section tasked with combating prostitution gangs. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau was also involved and will assist in identifying and examining banking and financial accounts and documentation.

A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Over 100 gardaí conducted a search operation across Dublin and wider Eastern Region targeting an organised crime group suspected of being involved in organised prostitution and money laundering offences.

“The searches were conducted at several businesses and residential addresses in Dublin, Kildare and Meath. Led by detectives from the Serious Crime Unit based at the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin, this operation was supported by the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT), Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Armed Support Unit (ASU), Garda Dog Unit as well as local teams from the Dublin North Central Crime functional areas.” 

It said the searches were part of a broader effort by An Garda Síochána to target and dismantle organised crime groups benefitting from organised prostitution.

It said two adult males were arrested on foot of court bench warrants, on unrelated matters, and a third adult male was detained in relation to the sale of drugs. Investigations are continuing.

Louth pipe bombs

In a separate operation targeting organised crime, garda ballistic and technical experts are examining a cache of 20 pipe bombs discovered during a drugs search in Co Louth.

The Divisional Drug Unit, based at Drogheda Garda Station, conducted an operation, based on intelligence gathered following the seizure of drugs.

Cannabis valued at around €190,000 was seized in that operation. On Tuesday, detectives from the unit carried out a search and uncovered the haul of pipe bombs, 20 in total.

Officers immediately cordoned off the scene and requested an Army Explosive Ordnance team. The bomb squad arrived and examined the suspect devices and made them safe. The devices were removed from the area for further examination.

Experts from the ballistic section of the Garda Technical Bureau are conducting examinations on the devices. Detectives are examining the purpose behind such a large haul of pipe bombs and if they were for intended use locally or for possible supply to other gangs.