Garda operation in Meath targeting Black Axe organised crime group

Gardai have carried out a major operation targeting organised crime group that commit fraud worldwide and launder the proceeds through networks of bank accounts in Ireland.

Gardaí from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) carried out a day of action as part of Operation SKEIN targeting the Black Axe organized crime group on Tuesday 24th February 2026.

GNECB members alongside the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and local uniform and detective units carried out 11 searches at locations across Ireland.

Searches were conducted in Meath, Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, and Kildare.

These 11 searches are in addition to 3 previously conducted in 2025.

During the course of the operation, Gardaí seized a number of electronic devices of evidential value.

In addition to these devices, Gardaí recovered a number of clothing items which are believed to denote affiliation, rank and loyalty in the organised crime group.

As part of Operation SKEIN, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to work closely with law-enforcement partners across several jurisdictions and is supported in its efforts by Europol and Interpol. This coordinated international approach reflects the scale and sophistication of the criminal network under investigation.

Since 2020, Gardaí have identified 1,400 potential suspects involved in the theft and laundering of €94 million.

To date, more than 636 people have been arrested as part of this operation. Over half of these have been charged with gangland offences as well as money laundering.

These arrests were made all over Ireland and conducted by local Gardaí from almost every Garda Community Engagement Area.