The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has raided properties in Limerick and Cork as part of a Europol investigation into international crime. Gardai say the searches were carried out with armed Garda support.

The searches took place at residences in the Rathkeale and Raheen areas of Limerick, and Newmarket in Co. Cork.

The probe is into suspected criminal activity involving fraud, smuggling and theft of artifacts. Dozens of raids have also taken place across the UK as part of the investigation.

Gardai say it relates to an on-going investigation into the assets and financial affairs of persons suspected of involvement in extensive criminality including labour exploitation, counterfeiting fraud, tarmac scams, tobacco smuggling, and the theft of rhino horns and Chinese cultural artifacts.

The searches were carried out with the assistance of the Emergency Response Unit and local gardai from Limerick. Documents, cash and artifacts were seized during the operation but no arrests were made.

The CAB has been involved in a Europol initiative which was set up in 2010 to target the criminal activities of this international criminal group.

Since 2010 there have been over 60 documented thefts of rhino horns and rare Chinese cultural artifacts from museums and private collections throughout Europe. The value of the property stolen is thought to be in excess of €40 million.

The UK Serious Organised Crime Agency and local police forces carried out over 30 searches throughout the UK and Northern Ireland as well.

The CAB says it will continue to liaise with international police through Europol.