A number of items, including fraudulent documentation and electronic devices, have been seized after a search operation in Co. Meath.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and officials from the Department of Social Protection and Work Relations Commission carried out a multi-agency search operation at a commercial premises on Wednesday.
The operation was focused on identifying offences relating to the employment of illegal immigrants and forms part of a wider investigation into Human Trafficking, targeting those involved in facilitating illegal immigration into Ireland.
In the course of the operation, a significant number of persons working at the premises were identified as being illegally present in the State and working in breach of the Employment Permits Act on the basis of fraudulent documentation.
All persons present were interviewed, and a number of fraudulent documents were seized, along with personnel files and mobile phones.
From intelligence obtained during the operation, a subsequent follow-up search was carried out at a nearby private residence.
A number of items were seized, including fraudulent European ID documents and electronic devices.
A garda spokesperson said: “The operation involved in excess of 40 personnel, including interpreters and document examiners, and was led by the Garda National Immigration Bureau assisted by Garda National Drugs Organised Crime Bureau, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, DMR Roads Policing, uniform Gardaí from the Ballymun District and officials from the Department of Social Protection and Work Relations Commission.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
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