LAST UPDATE | 8 Apr

SPANISH POLICE HAVE detained an Irish man in Spain with alleged links to a well-known Dublin-based organised crime group.

The arrest was made on foot of a European Arrest Warrant which is associated with a National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) probe into connections between officials such as gardaí and criminals. 

It is understood that gardaí in Ireland had applied for the man to be arrested by the Guardia Civil.

Such an arrest warrant can only be applied for after the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the gardaí to charge a suspect. 

The investigation is ongoing since 2021 and is looking at wide-reaching activities of a crime group with bases in Dublin and on the east coast. 

A statement has been requested from Guardia Civil.

A garda spokeswoman said: “As part of this ongoing investigation An Garda Síochána is aware that a male (aged in his 30s) has been arrested by the Spanish authorities on foot of an Irish European Arrest Warrant.

“Investigating Gardaí from the GNBCI were present in Spain for this arrest operation.

“As this is currently a matter for the Spanish authorities An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment on this arrest, at this time.”