Operation SKEIN targets Black Axe organised crime group

A Garda crackdown on international criminal organisations laundering money through Irish bank accounts saw a number of electronic devices seized yesterday in a targeted operation.

Gardaí from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) carried out a day of action as part of Operation SKEIN targeting the Black Axe organised crime group yesterday (Tuesday, February 24, 2026).

GNECB members alongside the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and local uniform and detective units carried out 11 searches at locations across Ireland. GNECB carried out searches in counties Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Kildare, and Meath.

These 11 searches are in addition to three previously conducted in 2025. During the course of the operation, Gardaí seized a number of electronic devices of evidential value.

In addition to these devices, Gardaí recovered a number of clothing items which are believed to denote affiliation, rank and loyalty in the organized crime group.

As part of Operation SKEIN, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to work closely with law-enforcement partners across several jurisdictions and is supported in its efforts by Europol and Interpol.

Operation SKEIN is coordinated by the Garda Economic Crime Bureau and investigates international criminal organisations that commit fraud worldwide and launder the proceeds through networks of bank accounts in Ireland.

Since 2020, Gardaí have identified 1,400 potential suspects involved in the theft and laundering of €94 million.

To date, more than 636 people have been arrested as part of this operation. Over half of these have been charged with gangland offences as well as money laundering.

These arrests were made all over Ireland and conducted by local Gardaí from almost every Garda Community Engagement Area.

Yesterday's coordinated international approach reflects the scale and sophistication of the criminal network under investigation. Investigations are ongoing.