Revenue uncovers oil laundering plant in Co. Monaghan

Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, supported by the Garda Regional Support Unit, this morning (10/07/12) uncovered an oil laundering plant in Longfield, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan which had the capacity to launder approximately 15 million litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €7.5m per annum.

The oil laundry, which was in operation when Revenue officials carried out a search of premises, was concealed in a curtain-sided lorry situated in a commercial yard. The lorry, two forty foot containers, two tankers, a van and 40,000 litres of laundered product were seized. A significant quantity of toxic waste was also uncovered at the site.

Gardaí arrested three men - one in his early sixties and two in their mid-thirties. They are currently being detained at Carrickmacross and Castleblayney Garda stations. Enquiries are continuing

The operation was the result of surveillance activity carried out by Revenue officials and forms part of our ongoing activities to tackle fuel fraud. As part of Revenue's strategy in this area, an international search for a new fuel marker was announced by revenue authorities in Ireland and the United Kingdom last week.

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 10/07/12]