Seven released over alleged blackmail plot

Gardaí arrested the seven men following an operation targeting a potential blackmail and extortion plot on Sunday afternoon, March 7, and identified four cars and conducted a number of stop and searches.

All seven men arrested in relation to a potential blackmail/ extortion plot in Cavan, have been released without charge.

Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions

Gardaí arrested the seven men following an operation targeting a potential blackmail and extortion plot on Sunday afternoon, March 7, and identified four cars and conducted a number of stop and searches.

A stop and search of the first car resulted in the arrest of its occupants - two men in their 20s - under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

A stop and search of a second car resulted in the discovery of a number of balaclavas.

The three male occupants of the second car, all aged in their 30s, were also arrested under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

A stop and search of a third car resulted in the discovery of a number of concealed firearms and ammunition.

The sole occupant of the vehicle - a man in his 40s - was then arrested under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

A fourth vehicle was stopped and searched and the sole occupant - a man in his 30s - was arrested under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

All seven men were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Ballyconnell and Cavan Garda Stations.

A number of mobile phones and other items have been seized.

“This investigation is ongoing,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed.