Cavan man involved in gas scam

A Cavan man is believed to part of a gang that has been operating a scam conning thousands of euro from unsuspecting business people in the north midlands through the sale of illegal gas cylinders. Last week, following a tip off, gardaí in Granard stopped a van in Lisryan, between Granard and Edgeworthstown, and when they searched it they discovered 17 cylinders in the back worth an estimated €2,000. The teenage driver was brought to Longford Garda Station and questioned. He was later released without charge but a file is being sent to the DPP. The van was seized. The cylinders were not secured in the van and as a result posed a considerable threat. A fire safety officer had to be called to the scene along with the gardaí's own public service vehicle inspector. Gardaí also discovered what's believed to be a list of potential clients in the process of the search. Speaking to The Anglo-Celt this week, Anthony Mulligan, sales manager with Flogas, Drogheda, said the gang has been operating in the Cavan, Longford and Westmeath area supplying the business market. "The gang appeared to be filling the cylinders across the border and coming south without paying carbon tax, no VAT, under fills and not having the proper seals on the cylinders." According to Mr. Mulligan these cylinders normally retail at €100 but depending on volume but these guys were discounting them by at least 30% and offering them between €60 and €70, which is attractive to businesses in the current climate. In a lot cases these cylinders were only half or three-quarter's filled. "That posed a greater safety risk as they could explode." "There is a rigorous testing process involved with these cylinders as they are pressure vessels and they have to be maintained. However, these guys get them on the black market and they have no interest in maintaining safety levels." There was also a big health and safety concern as customers were expecting to get a bone fide product, which has been tested and in a proper safe container. "There is no guarantee with these bogus cylinders," said Mr. Mulligan. "Gas in the wrong hands can be very dangerous especially when being transported unsecurely in a covered vehicle," Mr. Mulligan said. Even the method of delivery used by this gang was risky. If there had been an accident involving the van it could have been "catastrophic". There was a criminal aspect from a Flogas or Calor Gas point of view as it infringed on their marks and the gang was passing it off as another product. Mr. Mulligan stated that there were parts of the country that the problem was more rife and the company had identified the Mullingar/Athlone area in particular. "We in Flogas would like to the public to ensure that their gas is from the proper legitimate dealer and have the proper company seals, which is our guarantee." The people supplying these cylinder were not giving proper receipts and the public should be weary of it. It is a very lucrative business as they don't have to invest in the cylinders, which can be stolen or purchased at auctions or stolen if they are not secured at a premises.