Rathkeale Rovers

The Rathkeale Rovers is an informal name given to a group of criminals, based in Ireland but operating internationally. They are all members of Ireland's Travelling Community,[1] and use traditional Traveller work such as laying tarmac or home renovation as cover for illegal activities.[2] They are reputed to be one of the world’s wealthiest organised crime groups.[3]

Alleged crimes include money laundering, drug smuggling, and art theft.[4]

The European Union's law enforcement agency, Europol, set up Operation Oakleaf in 2011 at the request of the Irish Police, in order to gather intelligence on the group. This lead to 30 arrests in eight countries for money laundering, drug trafficking and organised robbery worldwide.[5]

The US Fish And Wildlife Service has also investigated the group with regard to the smuggling of rhino horn. Investigators worked with South African police and Europol.[6]

In October 2013, the New South Wales Fair Trading department issued a warning that the gang was operating on the Australian eastern seaboard.[3]

In November 2013, UK police from 26 forces and the Serious Organised Crime Agency arrested 19 people, believed to be members of the Rathkeale Rovers, as part of Operation Elven into six museum and auction house break-ins in 2012. More than £20million of jade artefacts and rhino horns had been stolen from museums.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "On holiday with the Rathkeale Rovers". Irish Independent. 09 April 05. Retrieved 4 November 2013. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ↑ "The Irish Clan Behind Europe's Rhino-Horn Theft Epidemic". 2 January 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Warning on notorious Rathkeale travellers in Australia". NSW Government Office of Fair Trading. 17 Oct 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  4. ↑ "Traveller crime gang held after European police raids". Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  5. ↑ "Traveller crime gang held after European police raids". Irish Independent. 18 Jan 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  6. ↑ "Irish Sunday Mirror investigates the Irish Traveller gang who steal and trade in precious rhino horn". Irish Mirro. 15 Sept 13. Retrieved 4 November 2013. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ↑ "Nineteen arrested after dawn raids across the country including traveller camp". Daily Mail. 3 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.