Ten Albanian men have been arrested as suspects involved in organised crime gangs, and stand accused of having committed crimes of large scale burglary in counties Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.
The men, all aged 30-44, were detained following intelligence led operations across Munster and southerns Leinster.
It is understood that the gang are thought to be behind burglaries, which occurred between October 2008 and May of 2010, with specific investigations focused on a large number of break-ins at business premises.
The 10 men, who have been arrested under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, are being questioned in Garda Stations at Waterford, Thurles, Thomastown, New Ross, Mallow and Cahir.
A Garda spokesman said the operation, codenamed “Crake“, was supported by foreign investigators through the agency Interpol, and has been operating undercover for several months.
The suspected gangs have targeted shops, petrol stations and local stores, financial institutions including post offices, bars and nightspots and one church. The gang, which is believed to include former policemen and military personnel, also use angle grinders and cutting equipment to gain entry to safes and strong rooms. It is thought the gang often spent several hours carrying out their burglaries.
A Garda spokesman said there were a total of 49 break-ins and robberies currently under investigation as part of this operation.
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