Gardai have raided nine locations in Clare and Dublin in connection with an investigation into a West African criminal gang.
The group, known as ‘Black Axe’ globally, has been running fake bank accounts and committing fraud from Ireland.
In Tallaght, Tralee, Portlaoise, Navan, Limerick, Cork, and Waterford, 135 arrests resulted in charges.
According to Garda Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan, gang activity is occurring from Irish addresses.
“They’re all doing something for the organisation, to enhance the organisation… whether that is laundering money, creating false documents, opening bank accounts, setting up businesses, issuing orders, doing fake emails.
“And there are people issuing orders, there are people who are in contact with people in West Africa.”