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Firearms seized and arrests made for money laundering in Waterford

Firearms seized and arrests made for money laundering in Waterford

Illegal firearms and ammunition have been seized in Waterford today.

A Day of Action as part of Garda Operation Thor has been taking place in the city and its surrounds.

The guns were found during the search of a premises.

Money laundering

Speaking to WLR News this afternoon, Sergeant Deirdre O'Neill says they have made a number of other arrests too:

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"We also had two arrests for money laundering and this is in contravention of Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010.

"It follows on from an investigation for a smishing offence, which we've been cautioning and warning people about over the last number of weeks.

"So this victim was defrauded of money from their bank account and this money was then transferred multiple times.

"But each of these account holders is guilty of an offence."

'Money mules'

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Continuing, Sergeant O'Neill says these criminals often target young people with their scams:

"[They target them] via social media, with a promise of cash or luxury items and they are often referred to as 'money mules'.

"We would like to offer a caution to anyone against allowing their bank account, their bank card, their pin, or their IBAN, to be used by anyone in this matter.

"A file is being prepared for the DPP in relation to these two arrests and further investigations will follow on from it."

Aside from these arrests, a number of other search warrants were executed and checkpoints have been carried out.

At one of these checkpoints at Newrath, two vehicles were seized from Learner drivers, who were unaccompanied by a full licence holder.

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