Raids carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) at premises in Co Monaghan last week were not directly linked to the investigation of the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants as they were being smuggled into a port in Essex, the Gardaí stated. However, premises belonging to individuals who have become suspects in the Essex incident were among those targeted during the CAB operation.
It is understood the individuals concerned have been under investigation since last autumn in connection with alleged smuggling of cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drug substances. The Gardaí in a social media post said: “For over a year the Criminal Assets Bureau has, in accordance with its statutory remit, been investigating a group suspected of being involved in various international smuggling activities. That investigation has intensified over the past two weeks. “A number of restraining orders in respect of accounts in financial institutions…
