Gardaí seize €100k in cash in searches targeting Eastern European crime group in Cork

Around 100 gardaí took part in searches of homes and businesses as part of an ongoing Criminal Assets Bureau investigation

The operation involved around 100 personnel from An Garda Síochána's Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). File picture

Gardaí seized documents, electronic devices and approximately €100,000 in cash from 15 locations across Cork on Tuesday as part of an investigation into an Eastern European criminal group.

The operation involved around 100 personnel from An Garda Síochána's Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), supported by members of the Cork County and City Detective and Drug Units, the Regional Armed Support Unit and the Garda Customs Dog Units.

Co-ordinated searches were carried out at 15 locations, including commercial and residential properties across Cork city and county.

During the operation, CAB officers and gardaí seized documents, records and electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops and hard drives, as well as approximately €100,000 in cash.

The operation forms part of an ongoing CAB investigation into an Eastern European criminal group suspected of trafficking controlled drugs into Cork and the wider Munster region.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said the investigation was focused on the laundering of criminal proceeds through businesses such as second-hand and recycled clothing stores, beauty salons and property purchases across the Cork area.

"Investigations remain ongoing," the spokesperson said.