An Garda Síochána have warned members of the public to be aware of Romance Fraud as they continue to investigate a large number of money laundering offences.
It comes after the Gardaí received a request for assistance last year from the Hungarian Police through Interpol. They were investigating a case of Romance Fraud where a female was deceived into sending $4,000 to fraudulent account. Investigations by the Hungarian Police identified that the money was credited to an Irish bank account.
There were 46 suspicious credits into this bank account from 12 different people in 8 different EU countries, including Germany, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland and the UK.
The total amount credited into the account over a 12 month period was over €109,000, and it is suspected that each of the 12 people who deposited the money are victims of Romance Fraud.
The holder of this account was arrested this year in June 2022 and the investigation continues.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau have reminded people that are on dating websites or in communication with someone they have never met on social media to be weary of unsolicited links, do not reveal your full name of home address, and under no circumstances should anyone send money or give their bank details to someone they have never met.
In addition, they have also said to never make arrangements or travel to meet someone unless you are sure of their identity, and if you think you have fallen victim, contact the Gardaí and your bank immediately.
