Revenue Commissioners launch crackdown on smuggling
The Revenue Commissioners have launched an investigation into large scale commercial smuggling rackets.
It is understood probes into 260 companies and individuals are being undertaken by the Customs and Excise prosecution branch, with prosecutions pending in the coming months.
It is believed that many of those under the spotlight are in the border region, and the number of active investigations is expected to rise over the next few months as the Revenue cracks down on smuggling rackets.
Officials are investigating large scale tobacco and alcohol smuggling as well as fuel laundering and counterfeit alcohol operations.
The move follows on from last weeks Revenue audits, which totalled €109m for the first three months of this year.
The list of defaulters included 23 farmers, 14 builders, 11 publicans, 11 hoteliers and five property developers.
