CAB seize Lanzarote home and Christian Louboutin trainers from Irish gangs

Limerick gang members will have to use Airbnb and wear flip flops abroad after CAB seized their Lanzarote holiday home and Christian Louboutin Pyracloue ladies sandals.

The seizures were revealed in the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) Annual Report for 2023 which was published this week.

Limerick features in two notable investigations by the bureau.

An investigation was launched by CAB following contact with gardaí attached to Henry Street.

Gardaí were carrying out an investigation targeting the criminal activities of organised crime groups based in Limerick city. A search operation was held targeting a large number of sites in the Limerick area.

As a result of these searches, the bureau’s multi‐agency investigation resulted in Revenue demands being issued and the High Court granting orders over a number of assets. 

They included a property in Limerick and in Lanzarote; €124,055 in cash; €88,380 in five bank accounts; gentleman's Rolex watch; ladies Rolex watch and a Volkswagen Passat.

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A second case with Limerick links was referred to CAB by a divisional asset profiler attached to the Galway region. The individuals targeted are members of an organised crime group with links to the sale and supply of controlled drugs. 

Following a search operation in Galway and Limerick in 2021, a Proceeds of Crime (PoC) investigation commenced and resulted in High Court orders being obtained over a number of assets. 

They included an Audi A6 motor vehicle; €17,052 held in a financial institution; £3,000 sterling in cash; Christian Louboutin Vieira 2 spiked trainers; Christian Louboutin Pyracloue ladies sandals; Christian Louboutin white high top trainers; Christian Louboutin Lata Napa Mica Ladies sandals; Christian Louboutin Louis Junior spiked trainers; White Canada Goose jacket and Bulgari ladies sunglasses.

The Christian Louboutin Vieira 2 spiked trainers cost around €800 while the Christian Louboutin Pyracloue ladies sandals retail at approximately €850.

2023 was a record year for CAB in its goal of denying and depriving criminals of the proceeds of crime. The value of assets under proceeds of crime cases commenced by CAB ranged in value from €10,915 to €1,456,887. Proceeds of crime actions, together with actions carried out under Revenue and Social Protection provisions, yielded in excess of €8.6 million to the Exchequer in 2023.

Marking the publication of the report, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said eradicating organised crime is central to building safer, stronger communities. 

“I am absolutely committed to that goal, and strengthening and expanding CAB is an important element of this. It is essential to deprive criminals of the proceeds of crime and 2023 was a record year for the Criminal Assets Bureau in this regard,” said Ms McEntee.