Probe after suspected fuel laundering operation discovered in Monaghan

Investigations are ongoing after an alleged fuel laundering operation was uncovered in County Monaghan yesterday (Thursday).

Revenue has confirmed that a search, under warrant, was carried out of a commercial premises in Corragarry, Broomfield, Co Monaghan.

The intelligence-led operation targeting fuel laundering was undertaken by Revenue officers, with the assistance of the Armed Support Unit of An Garda Síochána.

During the course of the operation the following items were detected and seized:

• a 40ft trailer, which appeared to act as a mobile laundry and contained oil laundering apparatus

• a HGV with a 40ft tanker believed to be involved in the fuel laundering process

A man in his 70s was interviewed by Revenue.

Investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson for Revenue said: 'The illicit trade in mineral oil products, and particularly the laundering of marked mineral oil, is a serious threat to the Exchequer. In addition to the loss to the Exchequer, oil laundering undermines the competi-tiveness of legitimate businesses, damages the environment, damages consumers' vehicles and helps to sustain organised criminal networks.'

Such seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting fuel laundering and shadow economy activity. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding illegal activity such as fuel laundering, they can report it by contacting Revenue's Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295.