Tough stance on cross-border crime

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to tackling cross-border and international crime, emphasising that when “someone breaks the law, they will be pursued and brought to justice, wherever they come from".

His comments, made last week when visiting Cavan, came in response to news that over a period of three days, gardaí arrested 11 individuals - including persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan - wanted in connection with serious alleged crimes in other jurisdictions.

“Crime today is international — it doesn’t respect borders or nationalities,” the Minister said, speaking to the Celt at Cavan Garda Station.

Between November 3-5, Gardaí conducted a co-ordinated action focusing on executing international arrest warrants.

Led by the Garda Extradition Unit, with assistance from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, it resulted in the arrest of 11 men across Dublin, Cavan, Meath, and Monaghan.

The individuals detained are all wanted in connection with offences including attempted murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, facilitation of illegal immigration, human trafficking, theft, and road traffic offences. The alleged crimes were committed in jurisdictions such as Northern Ireland, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Germany, and Lithuania.

All 11 suspects have now been brought before the High Court as part of ongoing extradition proceedings.

“The Gardaí maintain strong relationships not only with the PSNI but also with police forces across the UK, Europe, and indeed the world,” acknowledged Minister O'Callaghan.

“What matters is the behaviour of individuals, not their nationality. When someone breaks the law, they will be pursued and brought to justice, wherever they come from.”