Three individuals, one female and two males, were apprehended after Irish police uncovered €6.5 million in cryptocurrency, luxury timepieces, and a pair of premium automobiles during a raid in northern County Dublin on the earlier part of this week. The search, which involved the Garda Armed Support Unit, was carried out at a property as part of an ongoing probe by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) into the trading of contraband on darknet markets and the laundering of money through cryptocurrencies.
The two males taken into custody were 23 and 49-years-old, with the female being 32. The younger male continues to reside in police care while the remaining two individuals have been let free whilst an official case file is being constructed for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The cryptocurrencies apprehended during the search, consisting of Bitcoin and Montero specifically, hold a collective value of approximately €6.5 million, a figure cited by the Garda. The luxury watches are valued at over €120,000 and the vehicles’ estimated worth is around €220,000.
Supt Michael Mullen of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau commented on the investigation, stating that, “The incarcerations and reclaimed assets are testament to our significant probe into Darknet illicit marketplace activity.” He added, “Such actions exhibit Ireland’s ongoing pledge to not provide a safe space for people involved in any criminal behaviour, and the dedication of An Garda Síochána in obstructing those involved in wrongdoing from reaping financial benefits.”
He reassured the public that the darknet marketplace, previously hosting illicit goods and services for purchase, has ceased operations.