Major money laundering raids target Hutch crime gang in Spain and Ireland
by Michael O'Toole · Irish MirrorMajor searches have been taking place in Spain and Ireland this morning, as part of an investigation into the activities of the Hutch organised crime group. The group are suspected of being involved in money laundering across a number of jurisdictions.
Ten searches took place in Spain, with gardai from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation supporting the Guardia Civil. In Dublin, one search took place at a residential property, following an International Letter of Request from the Spanish authorities.
The Dublin search was led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with support from the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Emergency Response Unit. A Guardia Civil officer was also present.
This operation is part of ongoing collaboration between Irish and Spanish authorities, who have been targeting the Hutch crime group operating in both countries.
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A previous search related to this group took place in Lanzarote in June 2022.
A Garda spokesman said investigations are ongoing. He said: "This morning, 23rd October 2024 searches have taken place in Spain and Ireland targeting a Transnational Organised Crime Group suspected to be involved in Money Laundering across a number of jurisdictions.
"Ten (10) searches were conducted in Spain. Gardaí from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) are present in Spain supporting the Guardia Civil. One (1) search has taken place at a residential property in Dublin following receipt of an ILOR (International Letter of Request/ Mutual Legal Assistance) from the Spanish authorities.
"The search in Dublin was carried out by Gardaí attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigtion (GNBCI). An Officer from the Guardia Civil is in attendance and the search is supported by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
"This morning’s operation is part of ongoing liaison between the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Guardia Civil in Spain, which targets a Transnational Organised Crime Group who are located both in Ireland and Spain. A previous search targeting the group was conducted in Lanzarote in June 2022 by Guardia Civil on behalf of GNBCI. Investigations are ongoing."
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