Three individuals have been arrested after a major operation led to the seizure of €6.5 million worth of cryptocurrency linked to illegal activities on darknet markets. The arrests took place on Monday following a search of a residence in north County Dublin.
The operation, conducted by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and Monero, valued at €6.5 million. In addition to the digital assets, officers seized luxury watches worth €120,000 and high-powered vehicles with a combined value of €220,000.
The arrested individuals include two men, aged 23 and 49, and a 32-year-old woman. The two men face allegations under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, related to enhancing the capabilities of a criminal organization to commit serious offenses. The woman has been arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act.
The 49-year-old man and the 32-year-old woman have been released from custody, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Meanwhile, the 23-year-old man remains in custody for further questioning.
Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen of the GNCCB emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, “The arrests of the three individuals and the assets seized are the result of a highly complex investigation into criminal darknet marketplace activities by specialist investigators attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.”
Mullen highlighted Ireland’s ongoing commitment to combating criminal activity, stating, “These law enforcement actions demonstrate Ireland’s continued determination that this jurisdiction is not a safe place for individuals involved in any form of criminality. An Garda Síochána is resolute in preventing those involved in criminality from profiting financially from their actions, regardless of the form such profits may take.”
He also reassured the public that the darknet marketplace, where illegal goods and services were previously offered, is no longer operational.