Ireland Money Laundering Cases Rise More Than 50-Fold Since 2017 

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Money laundering offenses in the Republic of Ireland have risen to record levels, with Ireland’s national police service handling almost 2,800 cases last year, according to official figures reported by The Irish Times.

The number of recorded offenses reached 2,768 in 2025, up from 996 in 2024 and around 50 cases a year in 2017. The figures are likely to represent only a fraction of the true scale of money laundering activity across the country.

Investigators are facing growing pressure as many cases require specialist work, including securing banking records, tracing stolen funds, and identifying money laundering networks. Ireland’s national police service, An Garda Síochána, is also under pressure to act before criminal proceeds are withdrawn or moved beyond their reach.

The rise has been linked to the increased prevalence of online scams, which accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic and has significantly worsened since. Major recent operations include a raid on the Black Axe gang, which has become a significant player in organized crime in Ireland. The investigation identified thousands of suspected money mules who allegedly allowed their bank accounts to be used to move criminal funds.

The gang originates in Nigeria and has been linked to the theft and laundering of €94 million ($110 million) in Ireland since 2020.

Money laundering inquiries also form part of wider investigations into drug gangs, including cases linked to murders in west Dublin.

There were a record 741 money laundering arrests in Ireland in 2025, up from 53 in 2017. Arrests for money laundering are on course to exceed 1,000 in 2026.

The force said more officers are being trained in fraud and e-crime investigation in response.