Man arrested in Westmeath as part of major money laundering probe

An arrest was made in Westmeath earlier today (Thursday), as part of a major Garda investigation into a suspected international money laundering scheme.

The man arrested in Westmeath is in his 20s and is being detained in Castlerea Garda Station, where he can be held for up to seven days.

A statement issued by the Garda press office said the man had been arrested for an offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

He became the fifth person to be arrested today in connection with the 'Operation BOXPLOT' fraud investigation, which is being conducted by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.

This morning, planned searches were carried out in Cork, Tipperary and Roscommon, and four men ranging in age from 23 to 35 years were arrested.

The men who were arrested earlier are being detained at Middleton, Fermoy, Mallow and Tipperary Garda stations.

The 'Operation BOXPLOT' investigation is targeting a criminal organisation, based in North Cork, which is believed to be laundering the proceeds of international invoice re-direct (BEC) fraud through bank accounts in Ireland.

It's part of a wider money laundering investigation, codenamed Operation SKEIN, which has resulted in 17 arrests to date.