Dublin Police Seize Over $7M in Crypto, Arrest Three in Darknet Bust

Three people were arrested after Gardaí seized €6.5 million ($7.1 million) worth of cryptocurrency in an investigation into illegal activities on darknet markets and money laundering, according to a local news report.

The arrests took place on Monday after Gardaí from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) searched a house in north County Dublin.

Three Arrested in Darknet Bust

The individuals taken into custody include two men, aged 23 and 49, and a 32-year-old woman. During the search, officers seized a large amount of assets, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR) valued at €6.5 million ($7.1 million). Authorities also confiscated luxury watches worth €120,000 ($131,000) and two high-end cars valued at €220,000 ($240,000).

The two men were arrested on suspicion of enhancing a criminal organization’s abilities to commit serious crimes, a violation of Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act. The woman was arrested on suspicion of offenses related to money laundering, as outlined in the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act.

After questioning, the 49-year-old man and the 32-year-old woman were released from custody, but Gardaí are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine if charges should be filed. The 23-year-old man remains in custody for further questioning.

Dublin’s Fight Against Illegal Activities

According to Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen of the GNCCB, the arrests and asset seizures came from a very detailed investigation. Mullen noted that specialized investigators from the GNCCB worked diligently to uncover illegal activities on darknet marketplaces, where people could buy and sell illegal goods and services.

Mullen emphasized that Ireland is committed to ensuring that the country is not a safe place for criminal organizations to operate or profit from their illegal activities. He also assured the public that the darknet market involved in this case has been shut down, and the authorities are determined to prevent criminals from enjoying the financial benefits of their illegal activities.