Gardaí investigating criminal activity on the dark web make two arrests

The arrests come as part of an intelligence-led investigation spearheaded by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB). File photo

Gardaí investigating criminal activity on the dark web have arrested two people following searches at two houses in a rural area of west Co Mayo.

The man and woman in their 30s were arrested for alleged offences including unlawful use of a computer, contrary to Section 9 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and money laundering, contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Offences) Act 2010.

The arrests come as part of an intelligence-led investigation spearheaded by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB).

The unit carried out the planned searches on Wednesday, when they arrested the man and the woman.

Cannabis and a volume of electronic exhibits were seized at the scene and will be examined by forensics.

The man and woman are being held at a Garda station in Co Mayo where they are detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Investigations are ongoing, a Garda spokesperson said.