CAB handed over €15m to exchequer from seizures in 2025

The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) reported a significant return of almost €15 million to the Irish exchequer in 2025, generated from asset seizures, auctions, and proceeds of crime actions. This figure includes over €14.9 million detailed in CAB's latest annual report.

The bureau's activities in 2025 involved the sale of 18 properties confiscated from criminals across nine counties, yielding over €4.3 million. Notable sales included the Co Leitrim bungalow of Kinahan gang associate Niall Smith, the Dublin home of Hutch gang member James 'Mago' Gately, and the property of Eduard Chiper, identified as the leader of a transnational organized crime group involved in smuggling drugs and firearms.

In addition to property sales, CAB froze 137 assets valued at over €10 million. These assets comprised nearly €2 million in cash, €500,000 in cars, €66,000 in jewelry and designer goods, and over €7.5 million in real estate. The report also detailed proceeds from auctions, where 18 designer watches sold for €156,870, including an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for over €38,000 and a Rolex for €21,060. A gold coin sold for €3,700, and designer handbags fetched thousands.

The funds generated contribute to various areas, with some money returned to community safety funds for local projects in areas heavily impacted by organized crime. CAB also conducted extensive searches, including 208 within Ireland and three in Spain, supported by international law enforcement. The bureau's international cooperation saw it submit 23 requests for assistance to seven countries and receive 132 requests from 21 countries.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the nearly €15 million return as "highly significant." He reiterated the bureau's mission, stating, "Organised crime is driven by money and the harder it is for organised crime groups to make, obtain, launder and keep the money, the weaker they become."

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Organised crime is driven by money and the harder it is for organised crime groups to make, obtain, launder and keep the money, the weaker they become.