A number of searches have taken place in Limerick and Clare in connection with the investigation.
28 individuals have been identified as being active participants in Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) related fraud offences as part of an investigation by An Garda Síochána.
The investigation has identified a suspected international organised crime group comprising of persons based in Ireland and other jurisdictions who have engaged in both identity and fraud offences to obtain PUP monies.
A total of 28 individuals were identified as being active participants.
On Wednesday (2 December), a number of searches were conducted in Limerick and Clare in connection with the investigation.
As part of this search, a number of items, including documentation and related material, have been seized and are currently being examined.
This is a joint operation involving Department of Social Protection Officials, Gardaí seconded to the Department of Social Protection, Customs and Excise Officials and Gardaí based in Limerick and Clare, including Detectives, uniformed personnel, the Armed Support Unit and the Garda Dog Unit.
Since May of this year, the Department of Social Protection have engaged with An Garda Síochána, investigating multiple PUP fraud offences.
Gardaí have said that this investigation is ongoing.
