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22/04/2009
Illegal Fuel Targeted In Border Operation
Money, vehicles and specialised 'mobile laundering plants' (similar to that pictured here following an earlier operation) have been seized in a large-scale cross-border operation targeting fuel smuggling.
A substantial amount of illegal fuel, reported by the BBC today as being in excess of 175,000 litres, was recovered in the operation.
In addition, €22,000, four of the illicit 'laundering' units and 12 other vehicles were also seized in 19 raids in counties Armagh, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal.
Police and customs authorities from both sides of the border took part in the operation.
Officers also targeted solicitors and accountancy businesses in the Republic of Ireland as part of the joint operation.
Gardaí officers conducted Operation Jutty as part of the work of the Organised Crime Task Force.
It involved officers from local stations, the Gardaí Criminal Assets Bureau, the Gardaí Emergency Response Unit and the Irish Customs Service.
In Northern Ireland officers from Customs Service as well as officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland took part.
"The purpose of the operation was to gather evidence and to identify and seize assets held by suspected fuel smugglers," said a spokesman.
Thirteen searches were carried out in the Irish Republic alone, covering counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal.
The gardaí statement also confirmed that the searches took place in a range of location, including professional offices, private residences and business premises.
On foot of the anti-crime initiative, Paul Goggins, Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, has congratulated Customs and the other members of the Cross Border Fuel Fraud Enforcement Group following the joint operation which has disrupted a major fuel fraud scam.
The NIO Minister said: "I congratulate all of those involved in the operation. This is a significant success for the Cross Border Fuel Fraud Enforcement group that I established last year. Since then the group is working closely to share intelligence and resources to combat fuel fraud.
"Cooperation and partnership between enforcement agencies on both sides of the border is good and getting better all the time.
"Fuel fraud funds wider criminality and I am determined that the full force of the law will be brought to bear on the gangsters involved in this illegal activity.
"This operation supports legal traders and the law abiding citizens who want these gangsters off their back," he concluded.
(BMcC/JM)
A substantial amount of illegal fuel, reported by the BBC today as being in excess of 175,000 litres, was recovered in the operation.
In addition, €22,000, four of the illicit 'laundering' units and 12 other vehicles were also seized in 19 raids in counties Armagh, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal.
Police and customs authorities from both sides of the border took part in the operation.
Officers also targeted solicitors and accountancy businesses in the Republic of Ireland as part of the joint operation.
Gardaí officers conducted Operation Jutty as part of the work of the Organised Crime Task Force.
It involved officers from local stations, the Gardaí Criminal Assets Bureau, the Gardaí Emergency Response Unit and the Irish Customs Service.
In Northern Ireland officers from Customs Service as well as officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland took part.
"The purpose of the operation was to gather evidence and to identify and seize assets held by suspected fuel smugglers," said a spokesman.
Thirteen searches were carried out in the Irish Republic alone, covering counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal.
The gardaí statement also confirmed that the searches took place in a range of location, including professional offices, private residences and business premises.
On foot of the anti-crime initiative, Paul Goggins, Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, has congratulated Customs and the other members of the Cross Border Fuel Fraud Enforcement Group following the joint operation which has disrupted a major fuel fraud scam.
The NIO Minister said: "I congratulate all of those involved in the operation. This is a significant success for the Cross Border Fuel Fraud Enforcement group that I established last year. Since then the group is working closely to share intelligence and resources to combat fuel fraud.
"Cooperation and partnership between enforcement agencies on both sides of the border is good and getting better all the time.
"Fuel fraud funds wider criminality and I am determined that the full force of the law will be brought to bear on the gangsters involved in this illegal activity.
"This operation supports legal traders and the law abiding citizens who want these gangsters off their back," he concluded.
(BMcC/JM)
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25 June 2004
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
18 June 2004
Pearson commends crackdown on fuel fraudsters
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Ian Pearson has commended law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border following yesterday's multi-agency seizure of illegal fuel. One person was arrested by customs officers after a series of early morning multi-agency raids in and around the border.
Pearson commends crackdown on fuel fraudsters
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Ian Pearson has commended law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border following yesterday's multi-agency seizure of illegal fuel. One person was arrested by customs officers after a series of early morning multi-agency raids in and around the border.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
30 July 2009
Arrest Follows Latest Cigarette Haul
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13 March 2013
Premises Searched In Illegal Fuel Investigation
Nineteen premises in 10 counties have been searched in a major investigation into illegal fuel and the activities of a Co Louth-based criminal gang. The Criminal Assets Bureau, along with gardaí and Revenue personnel searched houses, warehouses and business premises on Wednesday morning.
Premises Searched In Illegal Fuel Investigation
Nineteen premises in 10 counties have been searched in a major investigation into illegal fuel and the activities of a Co Louth-based criminal gang. The Criminal Assets Bureau, along with gardaí and Revenue personnel searched houses, warehouses and business premises on Wednesday morning.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
