A man has been charged in connection with an alleged bogus legal firm offering immigration services to people arriving into Ireland.

The man was arrested after gardaí seized a significant number of files and computers during searches in the Blessington area of County Wicklow.

Investigators said people “desperate to regularise their status” in Ireland paid between €1,000 and €3,000 to the alleged firm, thinking it had the legal expertise to help them.

Around €60,000 has been frozen in a bank account as part of the investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Lordan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said: “We are concerned that people in vulnerable positions are being taken advantage by fraudsters.”

“We are advising persons seeking legal advice on immigration services or otherwise to check to ensure the person or persons they are dealing with have the appropriate qualifications and experience to provide such services,” he said.

The man was taken to Naas Garda Station and has been charged to appear before Naas District Court this morning.