LOVE CHEATS

3 men held after woman duped by romantic frauds

THREE men were arrested yesterday in connection with a suspected online romance and investment fraud.

It is understood one of the alleged victims was tricked into transferring large sums of money abroad after meeting conmen online via a dating website.

Officers from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau made the three arrests during search operations in West Dublin and Navan. The men can be held for up to seven days.

A number of devices were also seized for examination during the operation.

The arrests are a culmination of investigations into complaints of suspected romance and investment fraud.

It is understood one of the victims in the case was duped into transferring large sums of cash to accounts in Ireland, Turkey, Dubai and Vietnam over a ninemonth period.

VICTIMS

Gardai are hoping that they will now be able to identify further victims.

Det Sup Michael Cryanfro, from the GNECB, said the arrests were the first of their kind in Ireland.

He added: “This is a novel investigation as the senders of such emails have never been arrested in Ireland before.

“To date, the belief would always have been that criminal groups engaged in this activity are operating from outside this jurisdiction.

“This investigation shows that this is not always the case.

“It is anticipated that numerous injured parties from all over the world will now be identified.”

Investigations in relation to yesterday’s arrests are ongoing.

Gardai are encouraging victims of this type of fraud to come forward.