Nine searches have been carried out in counties Limerick, Cork and Waterford as part of an investigation into the payment of protection money by the construction industry.
Four homes, a business premises, and the offices of an accountant, architect and a motor dealership were searched today by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), with the Garda Armed Support Unit assisting in the operation.
The investigation is targeting the "assets and activities" of a person involved in the provision of building services and unlicensed security services.
A number of items were seized in the operation - including a Rolex watch, an Audi SUV, electronic storage devices and financial documents.
Gardaí said today's operation is one of a number of ongoing CAB investigations "relating to the extortion of monies for the provision of building services and unlicensed security services."
Cork gang
Meanwhile, the bureau has carried out separate searches targeting a Cork-based criminal group.
The searches were carried out today and yesterday at five businesses – Three motor dealerships, an insurance broker and a jewellery store.
The officers seized documentation at the jewellers.
The operation was follow-up to searches carried out in April when ten cars, four watches and €31,500 in cash were seized.
