Irish Police Seize €6.5 Million in Crypto from Dark Web Suspects

Irish police has seized €6.5 million ($7.1 million) in cryptocurrency from three individuals arrested in Dublin for suspected involvement in dark web crimes and money laundering.

The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau reported the confiscation of various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Monero, as well as a luxury watch worth €120,000 ($131,000) and two vehicles totaling €220,000 ($240,000).

The raid, carried out on Monday, led to the arrests of a 23-year-old man, a 49-year-old man, and a 32-year-old woman. The men face charges related to supporting a criminal group, while the woman is accused of money laundering violations.

Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen described the operation as the result of a complex investigation into dark web activities. According to the BBC, the older man and the woman have been released pending further legal procedures, while the younger man remains in custody.

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This operation adds to Ireland’s efforts in seizing crypto assets linked to criminal activities, joining similar efforts in the UK, which has confiscated 61,245 bitcoins worth $3.5 billion. The seized cryptocurrency’s future handling will be determined by the case’s legal outcome.

Alexander Stefanov