A Limerick-based criminal gang operating across several counties is being targeted in a coordinated series of raids by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The operation, which was ongoing this afternoon, involves searches at residential dwellings in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.
The garda team was also searching the offices of a number of professional firms, including solicitors and auctioneers.
The targets of the operation are a family-based gang that has in the past been involved in the Limerick drugs trade with the McCarthy-Dundon gang.
Gardaí also believe the group has travelled extensively from their bases to carry out robberies.
The Irish Times understands the purchase of a plot of land by one of the suspects aroused suspicion the transaction may have been conducted using the proceeds of crime.
During the course of the raids today further evidence has been uncovered that gardaí suspect links people with modest legitimate incomes to the purchases of expensive vehicles.
Documents and electronic devices, which will now be examined to determine their evidential value, have been seized.
“The searches are being conducted as part of ongoing investigations into the purchase of land, vehicles and other assets by organised criminal groups based in the region,” the Garda said.
"The operation is being led by Bureau Officers assisted by members of the (armed) Regional Support Unit and local gardaí.
“Searches have are been carried out a number of locations including private residences and business premises.
“Documentation, mobile phones, devices and computer equipment have been seized. There are no arrests planned during this phase of the investigation.”
