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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Thugs go after the vulnerable, I got convicted but saw no cash' says blackmailed money mule as teens targeted by gang
THOUSANDS of teenagers in Ireland have been targeted by one of the world's most violent cyber crime gangs, we can reveal. A special investigation by The Irish Sun today tells how young people — aged between 17 and 22 — have been used by the Black Axe crime gang as part of their efforts to launder €84million through Irish 6 Young people have been used by the Black Axe crime gang Credit: Garda Info 6 Funmi Abimbola was a facilitator for the gang Credit: COLLECT 6 Giuseppe Diviccaro posed as a fashion photographer in Ireland to help run a Europe-wide fraud scam Credit: COLLECT Those in the sights of the mob include people with addiction issues, individuals who are homeless and those who come from broken homes. But others include those who have to pay off drug debts, the children of millionaires and top students. They have blackmailed kids to act as money mules after obtaining intimate images of their targets. The online criminals — classified as 'master manipulators' by READ MORE IN NEWS Once interest is shown, the fraudsters outline how the money will be paid if they can have full access to the target's bank account. And that's exactly what happened to 'John', not his real name, when he agreed to act as a 'money mule' for the infamous Investigators believe the money mule was recruited by one of the gang's main 'herders' in Ireland. The top criminal has since been arrested by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and remains a key target under 'Operation Skein'. Most read in Irish News At present, the mob is classified by Interpol as an 'ultra violent cyber crime gang' with more than 30,000 members. 'John' spoke exclusively to The Irish Sun after he received an 18-month suspended sentence for money laundering. Inside France's brutal crypto crime wave with chopped off fingers, delivery van street kidnaps & £10million ransoms He told us: 'I was duped by these people and wish I could turn back the clock. 'I was homeless at the time and got this Snapchat message offering me €500 in exchange for my bank account details, and I thought it was easy money. 'I have never been in trouble in my life and never once thought that doing something like this was a form of money laundering. 'I was vulnerable and that's why they targeted me — and I never received any payment. 'I WAS DUPED' 'I was duped by these people and I would urge anyone not to respond to requests of this nature.' John was contacted on Snapchat and agreed to hand over his personal bank details. Once obtained, €49,500 then landed in his account. Two other young men were also targeted by the same 'herder' and laundered €14,900 in one account and €7,500 in another account. He also handed over his bank card and PIN number after he was instructed to meet one of the gang's associates in Dublin. SPENDING SPREE One week later, the cash was gone as the criminals went on a spending spree, buying designer clothes and electronic devices. But it wasn't until the following year when details of the huge cash lodgement was uncovered by Gardai. A probe was launched by investigators from the DMR South Serious Crime Unit at Sundrive Road Garda Station after they were contacted by Interpol. On that occasion, Interpol suspected that the cash had been stolen from a machinery company in Hungary using an 'Invoice Redirect' fraud. HOW SCAM OPERATES The scam operates by fraudsters cloning the emails of legitimate companies and asking the firm in Hungary to send payments to a different account in Ireland. But, after identifying the fraud, the firm supplied Interpol with the bank account details of where the money had been sent. The information was later passed to Gardai. Once Gardai received details of the bank account, they established John's identity and then analysed the account, identifying any other transactions. ADMITTED GUILT John was arrested by Garda detectives on August 8, 2023 and admitted his guilt. He later pleaded guilty to a money laundering offence and received a fully suspended 18-month sentence, on March 14 of this year. John added: 'I am now in a good place and just want to get on with my life. 'I would also have no hesitation in going into schools and telling the young people there about my own experience. 'STAY WELL AWAY' 'If young people engage with these fraudsters then it could seriously affect their future — my message is to stay well away.' Det Supt Michael Cryan confirmed money mules were an 'integral part' of the major crime gang. The senior officer said: 'Individuals need to realise that if they act as a money mule, they are interacting with vicious transnational organised criminals. 'You owe them and they control you. If the money is frozen by the bank, they have been known to demand that you pay up yourself — like drug dealers. US HAS 'HARSH SENTENCING' 'The money mules have no idea what their account will be used for, how much or where it was stolen. If stolen in the USA, they may look to extradite you there to charge you and sentencing is very harsh there. 'They also need to realise that they are helping organised crime gangs who traffic humans, who run brothels, as well as funding their lavish lifestyles. 'People who get involved in this are destroying their own futures because they could go to jail, end up with a criminal record and be prevented from getting jobs.' As part of 'Operation Skein', Gardai have identified 1,100 people connected to the Black Axe gang in Ireland. OPERATION SKEIN They have also made 565 arrests, prosecuted 300 people and cautioned 39 juveniles. Over 50 senior members of the gang have also been arrested here. Our revelations on the gang come after Innocent 'Lucky' Aigbekaen, 31, from Dundalk, Co Louth, became their latest member to be jailed here in November 2024. The conman — who used the name 'Nino Blanti' — recruited money mules and laundered €331,623 through Irish accounts. Bank worker Funmi Abimbola, 26, from Rosse Court Terrace in Lucan, Dublin, who was a facilitator for the gang, was jailed for three years in October last year. Also caged was Italian conman Giuseppe Diviccaro, 48, who was locked up in 2021 after he posed as a photographer in Ireland to launder €200,000 through Irish accounts. 6 Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan said money mules were an integral part of the crime gang Credit: Brian Lawless/PA 6 Some €84million has been laundered through Irish banks Credit: Getty 6 The mob has blackmailed kids to act as money mules Credit: Paul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
RTÉ News
14-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Gardaí issue warning over misinformation on crash in which garda was killed
Gardaí have issued a warning over content on social media regarding a road incident in Dublin at the weekend in which a garda was killed. Garda Kevin Flatley, 49, was killed after he was struck by a motorcycle while carrying out a checkpoint on Sunday afternoon. In a statement this morning, gardaí said they are "aware of content on social media platforms which purports to give an eye-witness account" in relation to the incident, describing it as "completely inaccurate" and with "no basis whatsoever in fact". They said misinformation like this "risks diverting garda resources and time from what is a complex and ongoing investigation" into the incident. "Misinformation, disinformation and fake news are typically amplified by multiple accounts in order to spread concern within communities. "We appeal to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/ or messaging apps", the statement added. Gardaí also said they have made social media companies aware of the misinformation, adding "it is a matter for them to comment on requests from An Garda Síochána for this material to be removed from their platforms". — Garda Info (@gardainfo) May 14, 2025 At around 1pm on Sunday, Gda Flatley was using a speed gun and recorded a motorcyclist travelling at speed on the R132, the old Swords to Balbriggan Road, at Lissenhall, and tried to flag him down. However, the garda was struck by a high-powered Yamaha R1 1000cc motorcycle and died at the scene. The motorcyclist, who is aged in his 30s, was critically injured in the incident and remains in Beaumont Hospital.
The Irish Sun
04-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Urgent search for missing man who vanished from Kildare home as family and gardai ‘concerned for well-being'
GARDAI have launched an urgent plea for the public's help - in a bid to find a man who went missing in County Kildare. Andrei Puflea was reported missing from his home in Leixlip, Co. 3 Andrei Puflea is missing from his home in Kildare Credit: Garda Info 3 Gardai are appealing for information Credit: Garda Info The 30-year-old is described as being 5' 10 with a heavy build. Andrei has black hair and brown eyes. It's not known what Andrei was wearing at the time he went Cops and his family are both 'concerned for his well-being'. READ MORE IN NEWS A garda spokesperson said: 'Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Andrei Puflea, 30, who is reported missing from his home in Leixlip, Co. Kildare since earlier today, Saturday 3rd May 2025. 'Andrei is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height, with a heavy build, black hair and brown eyes. 'It is not known what Andrei was wearing at the time. Most read in The Irish Sun 'Gardai and Andrei's family are concerned for his well-being. 'Anyone with information on Andrei's whereabouts is asked to contact Leixlip Garda Station on (01) 6667800, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.' Secret Garda spy truck catches 100 drivers for bad behaviour behind wheel on bust Irish roads amid 'real risk' alert Separately, gardai are also seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a man who has been missing for weeks. James Aherne was reported missing from his home in Dublin 8 on March 31, 2025. The 53-year-old man is described as being approximately six foot in height and of slim build. He has closely shaved mousey brown hair and brown eyes. James was last seen at Grand Canal Place in Dublin 8. When last seen, he was wearing a black and green jacket, black trousers and black and white runners. He was also carrying a blue backpack. James' family and gardai are both concerned for his well-being. Cops are asking anyone with information on Jame's whereabouts to make contact with them. A garda spokesperson said: 'Anyone with information on James whereabouts is asked to contact Kilmainham Garda Station on 01 666 9700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' 3 James Aherne was also reported missing at the end of March Credit: Garda Info
BreakingNews.ie
30-04-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Wife of missing Kerry farmer says she just wants him to come home
The wife of a missing Co Kerry farmer has issued an appeal for information, stating she just wants him to come home. Michael Gaine, 56, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21st. Advertisement Gardaí said this week their probe into his disappearance had been upgraded to a homicide investigation. His wife Janice Gaine and sister Noreen O'Regan have recorded a video statement, issued through the gardaí. We appeal to any person who may have any information on what happened to Michael Gaine to contact the Garda investigation team. The investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. — Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 30, 2025 Ms Gaine said: 'He was my best friend, my husband. 'This whole thing has been devastating. Advertisement 'He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved farming, he loved his animals. He loved rallying. 'He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy and his disappearance is totally out of character, we knew that from day one.' She added: 'If there is anybody that has any information about Michael, do please come forward and talk to the gardaí. 'We just want Michael to come home. We want to know what happened to him because if we can't find Michael I just don't know what I'm going to do. Advertisement 'I just want Michael to come home.' His sister Ms O'Regan said he was 'a loving husband, brother, and uncle'. She added: 'His nieces and nephews loved him. We are absolutely heartbroken at what has happened. We are devastated, our lives are shattered. 'We want answers. We love Michael, we want him back. Advertisement 'I'm appealing to anyone with any information about what happened to Michael. 'He went to the farm on March 20th, it was his routine to check his animals, but he never returned home. We are devastated and we want him back.' In the five weeks since his disappearance, gardaí said they had gathered around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage, taken nearly 130 witness statements and carried out more than 320 formal jobs/inquiries. Irish troops and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation. Advertisement A CCTV image of Michael 'Mike' Gaine buying phone credit in Centra in Kenmare at 9.48am on Thursday, March 20th, (Garda/PA) A gardaí statement said: 'Extensive searches utilising specialist equipment by state and other agencies have been carried out over the past five weeks which have failed to locate Michael. 'The disappearance is completely out of character and entirely at odds with Michael's pattern of behaviour established by the investigation to date. 'Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station on Tuesday April 29 2025 An Garda Síochána reclassified the missing person investigation as a homicide investigation. 'A formal criminal investigation has now commenced and gardai are seeking information from any person who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family. 'An Garda Síochána continues to keep Michael's family fully informed on the status of the investigation and supported through a family liaison officer, as they come to terms with this update.'
