Customs uncover oil laundering plant in Co. Cavan

Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, assisted by local Gardaí, tonight (27/03/12) uncovered an oil laundering plant in Whitegate, Virginia, Co. Cavan which had the capacity to launder approximately ten million litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €5m per annum.

The plant was located in a yard, which was adapted to conceal the laundering activity, behind a private dwelling. Two vans, bleaching earth, a compressor, a large quantity of laundered product and ancillary equipment were seized.

One man was questioned and later released.

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: 27/03/12]