A MAN AND a woman were arrested this morning as part of an intelligence-led investigation into criminal activity on the dark web.

The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines and requires the use of special software to be accessed.

While it’s not illegal to visit the dark web, people can face criminal charges if they use the dark web to engage in illegal activity.

This morning, gardaí from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau carried out planned searches at two residential properties in a rural area of west Co Mayo.

During the course of the operation, which formed part of an intelligence-led investigation into criminal activity on the Dark web, a man and woman in their 30s were arrested.

The alleged offences include unlawful use of a computer, contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, and money laundering.

Both were taken to a Garda Station in Co Mayo, where they are currently detained.

A quantity of suspected cannabis herb was also seized at the scene, along with a significant volume of electronic exhibits, which will undergo forensic examination.