Gardaí seize more than €700k in Limerick raid linked to organised prostitution investigation

National operation targeting organised prostitution and money laundering leads to major cash seizure and the arrest of a man in his 50s

Gardaí seize €700,000 as organised prostitution and money laundering investigation continues. Picture: Gardaí

Gardaí have seized more than €700,000 in cash from a house in Limerick city following a raid linked to investigations into organised prostitution and money laundering. A man in his 50s has been arrested.

The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) conducted the operation on Tuesday, with support from members of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU), the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU), local gardaí, and the Southern Region Dog Unit.

As part of the investigation, gardaí searched a residential property in the Limerick city area, where a substantial quantity of cash estimated at more than €700,000 was recovered.

A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the Southern Region.

Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters of the GNPSB said gardaí, through the OPIU, HTICU, and local divisional units, "work closely with international law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable people from sexual exploitation."

“This most recent operation highlights our ongoing commitment to pursuing individuals and groups who facilitate sexual exploitation and to ensuring that they are brought before the courts,” said Ms Watters.

"If you have been affected by sexual exploitation, please remember that our Divisional Protective Services units are here to support you. You can contact us in complete confidence.

"If you are concerned about someone you know, we encourage you to come forward and share any information with An Garda Síochána. Your actions could help protect others and make a difference.”

Anyone with information linked to organised prostitution is asked to contact any garda station, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or email [e-mail].