Cyber Crimes on the Rise: Ireland Grapples with Organized Crime

Ireland has long struggled with organized crime, but a new threat has emerged in recent years: cyber crimes. As part of our ongoing series on the state of organized crime in Ireland, we examine the latest developments and concerns.

Financial Crimes on the Rise

The Irish government has taken steps to combat financial crimes, including the introduction of penalties for participating in and directing criminal organizations. However, experts warn that the country’s financial system remains vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing.

“Cyber crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it easier for criminals to launder money and finance their activities,” said a senior law enforcement official.
Experts believe that the lack of transparency in the appointment process for judges on the Special Criminal Court hampers the government’s efforts to combat organized crime.

Criminal Actors

Ireland is home to several mafia-style groups, many of which operate in cities. These groups engage in a range of illicit activities, including human trafficking, drug dealing, and arms smuggling.

While there is no evidence of collusion between these groups and state authorities, some have expressed concerns about corruption within the transport sector.
The groups are known to be highly organized and sophisticated, with many members having ties to other criminal organizations in Europe.

Leadership and Governance

The Irish government has launched several initiatives to combat organized crime, including a website aimed at increasing awareness of bribery and corruption. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of criminal activity.

“The government’s efforts are hampered by a lack of transparency in the appointment process for judges on the Special Criminal Court,” said a leading anti-corruption expert.
Critics believe that the country’s economic environment is not doing enough to mitigate organized crime, and that more needs to be done to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

Criminal Justice and Security

Ireland’s criminal justice system has faced criticism for its handling of organized crime cases. The country’s prisons are overcrowded, and there have been concerns about corruption within the prison system.

“The lack of transparency in sentencing and the failure to address underlying issues in our prisons are major concerns,” said a senior politician.
Experts believe that the country needs to do more to protect victims of organized crime, including providing support for those who have been trafficked or otherwise victimized.

Economic and Financial Environment

Ireland’s economic environment is generally considered to be effective in mitigating organized crime. However, the country’s anti-money laundering capabilities may be stretched by the migration of financial institution operations from London to Dublin under Brexit.

“Cyber crimes pose a significant threat to our financial system, and we need to take action to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing,” said a senior government official.
Experts believe that the country needs to do more to protect its financial system from cyber attacks, including investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and training law enforcement officials on how to investigate and prosecute cyber crimes.

Ireland has made progress in providing support to victims of organized crime. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of victim protection efforts.

“We need to do more to identify and support victims of trafficking and other forms of organized crime,” said a leading advocate for victims’ rights.
Experts believe that the country needs to do more to provide support for those who have been affected by organized crime, including providing access to counseling services and financial assistance.

Media Freedom Under Threat

Ireland’s media landscape is highly concentrated, with concerns about semi-state ownership of media groups. There have also been recent attacks on journalists, despite the country’s constitution guaranteeing media freedom.

“Cyber crimes pose a significant threat to media freedom, and we need to take action to protect our journalists,” said a senior journalist.
Experts believe that the country needs to do more to protect its journalists from cyber attacks, including providing them with training on how to investigate and report on organized crime safely.