Six properties searched in CAB raid targeting solicitor

WICKLOW, Ireland - The Criminal Assets Bureau, along with gardai officers conducted a massive search operation, that ended with officials uncovering evidence of the involvement of Irish criminals in cybercrime. 

According to reports, as part of their operation in Bray, Co Wicklow, the Criminal Assets Bureau searched a solicitors office on Sunday.

In all, officials said that they had raided six properties and had seized phones, laptops and other devices, along with 7,500 euros in cash. 

Officials said that they had not made any arrests so far. 

Gardai released a statement, in which the spokesman said, “The Criminal Assets Bureau, assisted by local gardai, and the Divisional Garda Asset profilers, the Emergency Response Unit and the Wicklow Divisional Search Team conducted a search operation in Bray. Six properties in total were searched – two residential premises, two business premises and two professional premises (accountants/solicitors).”

The statement added, “Approximately 7,500 euros cash was seized along with evidence relating to the use of virtual currencies and a number of mobile phones, laptops computers and other electronic devices. No arrests have been made and the search operation is ongoing.”

Gardai added, “This CAB investigation relates to an Organised Crime Gang based in the Wicklow area.”

The CAB raid, reports noted, is said to have uncovered evidence of Irish criminals’ involvement in a sophisticated cybercrime.

The raids in Wicklow are said to have focussed on investigating a fraudster and drug dealer and officials said they found evidence of cryptocurrency trading.

According to local reports, the target is a criminal figure from Bray who has been known to the Garda since his teenage years.

Gardai reportedly pointed out that the raids were focused on gathering evidence relating to the proceeds of crime and said that the devices and documents seized will now be analyzed to determine if they contain evidence that could lead to the confiscation of assets derived from crime.

The raids reportedly were part of a series of super raids against top and middle-tier criminals being led by law enforcement officials.