Greater number of suspended gardaí

More Gardaí are likely to come under scrutiny as part of a rapidly expanding Garda anti-corruption probe, which saw the suspension of eight Munster-based officers on Saturday.

The move, taken by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, following a recommendation from a superior officer, is the largest number of Gardaí ever suspended in a single action.

The decision follows the progress of a high-level investigation by a dedicated investigation team, which has been operating for nearly two years.

It brings the number of gardaí suspended as part of the investigation to 11.

While it is unclear whether further suspensions will follow, the Irish Examiner he understands that more gardaí “will be the object of attention”.

The investigation is conducted by the Garda National Criminal Investigation Bureau (GNBCI), which is part of the Special Crime Operations section.

A Garda statement confirmed that eight members were suspended on Saturday following investigations into allegations that gardaí failed to pursue law enforcement in relation to traffic violations and notifications of fines with fixed charges.

“Following an ongoing investigation led by the Assistant Commissioner for Special Crime Operations (SCO), involving personnel attached to the GNBCI, eight members of An Garda Síochána have been suspended,” the statement said.

“This element of the investigation focuses on corruption in public office.”

He said that while the investigation is ongoing, An Garda Síochána would not comment on the rank or location of the members who have been suspended.

Last October, mobile phones and documents were seized from several Gardaí, as well as from players and GAA officials.

Several Garda stations have also been recorded as part of the investigation.

According to sources, some Gardaí have been informally interviewed by investigators and have claimed that they were ordered to abandon the prosecutions.

Several Gardaí have made voluntary declarations.

A broader investigation into alleged Garda corruption in the Munster region continues, leading to several Gardaí being arrested and questioned on suspicion of serious crimes.

The GNBCI investigation was launched after suspicions arose that information was being leaked in connection with the operations of the Office of Criminal Assets against an organized criminal gang in Munster.