3 searches carried out in Kildare today to investigate sham marriages involving immigrants

Under the curtain of a new operation set up by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, it has been revealed that Gardai carried out three searches in Kildare today in relation to sham marriages in the county.

As part of a nationwide investigation there were a total number of 42 searches carried out in various parts of the country, with 21 of those taking place in Dublin.

The searches come after investigations into 'marriages of convenience' which involve immigrants marrying EU citizens as a way of exploiting the asylum and immigration system.

A number of criminal networks had been identified around the country and a Garda statement released today said that a recent trend showed an increase in new notifications of intention to marry by males from the Indian sub-continent(i.e Pakistan, Bangladesh, India) to females from Europe. These females were most particularly from Portugal and Eastern European countries.

It is a very profitable network for criminals as people seeking residency are likely to pay out huge amounts to arrange a sham marriage.

Over 200 Gardai participated in the searches today as part of Operation Vantage. As of noon today a total of 11 people have been arrested so far for a variety of offences under the Immigration Act and Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. They are being held at Henry Street, Ballyhaunis and Finglas Garda station.

In addition a large amount of computers, memory devices, phones and documents including false identity documents, driving licences and marriage certificates have been seized. A stun gun and quantities of cash (approx. €30,000) have also been seized during the course of the searches.

Gardai were not able to comment on the specifics of the searches carried out in Kildare but a Garda statement released earlier today revealed that three planned searches had been carried out in the county.