Customs in Countrywide Anti-Fuel Fraud Operation
158,000 litres of fuel were seized today (03/11/11) in a countrywide operation conducted as part of an intensive drive by Revenue to tackle the illegal trade in mineral oils and shadow economy activity.
In co-ordinated operations targeting a range of potential Revenue offences, including laundered fuel, unlicensed trading and other tax offences in counties Dublin, Galway and Louth, Revenue officials backed up by armed Gardaí in a number of locations, carried out searches of ten filling stations. Searches of two private premises and one fuel depot were also conducted. A total of 158,000 litres of fuel were seized from three of these premises and approximately €39,000 was detained during the operation under the Proceeds of Crime legislation.
In the lead-up to the operation two filling stations in Dublin were intensively targeted for illegal trading. Approximately 20,000 litres of fuel were seized from these two premises and they were subsequently closed down.
The illegal trade in mineral oils, and oil laundering in particular, represent a serious threat to the Exchequer. Action against this illegality is therefore a key priority for Revenue.
Revenue would like to remind motorists and the public that they should be aware of the risks posed to their vehicles by using laundered fuel. It also takes much needed funds from the Exchequer; hurts legitimate trade and of course it is funding criminal activity.
[Ends 03/11/11]