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Gardai has identified a suspected organized criminal group after an investigation into multiple crimes of pandemic unemployment payment fraud (PUP).
28 individuals have been identified as active participants in the organized crime group comprising individuals based in Ireland and other jurisdictions.
The suspects have allegedly engaged in identity crimes and fraud to obtain money from PUPs.
Several gardai units and Social Protection officials searched several houses in Clare and Limerick on Wednesday morning in connection with the crimes.
Several items, including documentation and related material, have been seized and are currently under review.
Gardai confirmed that investigations are ongoing after the seven-month investigation.
A garda spokesperson said: “Since May 2020, the Department of Social Protection has engaged An Garda Síochána in the investigation of multiple crimes of pandemic unemployment payment fraud (PUP).
“The investigation has identified a suspected international organized crime group comprising individuals based in Ireland and other jurisdictions who have engaged in identity crime and fraud to obtain money from PUPs. A total of 28 individuals were identified as active participants.
“On December 2, 2020, several searches were conducted in Limerick and Clare in connection with this research.
“This is a joint operation involving officials from the Department of Social Protection, Gardaí attached to the Department of Social Protection, Customs and Excise and Gardaí based in Limerick and Clare, including detectives, uniformed personnel, the Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit.
“Several items, including documentation and related material, have been seized and are currently under review.
“The investigation continues.”
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