Customs Uncover Oil Laundering Plant in Co. Monaghan
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service tonight (03/10/11) uncovered a sophisticated oil laundering plant in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan which had the capacity to launder approximately eight million litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €4m per annum.
Customs Officers seized approximately 40,000 litres of product at the site. A 40ft tanker and lorry, a van, a forklift and a compressor were also seized. Ancillary equipment was dismantled and seized.
The Garda Regional Support Unit assisted at the site. Two men in their thirties from Northern Ireland have been arrested and are currently being questioned in Monaghan Garda Station.
This operation is part of Revenue's ongoing activities to tackle fuel fraud. 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 03/10/2011]