Fuel laundering scams are a well-organised and funded operation that make millions

Irish customs backed up by armed gardai uncovered two diesel laundering plants early this morning. The criminals take the marker dye out of the fuel meant for agricultural use only. It is then passed off as diesel for road use on which duty has been paid. It is a well-organised underworld business which centres around the area in south Armagh and north Louth sometimes known as Bandit Country. It's a multi-million euro illegal industry which leave the taxpayer to pay for the clean-up of the toxic sludge left over in the process as well as the loss in tax-paid by motorist who buy laundered fuel. Read Revenue's press releases here.

American con-artist convicted of drugs factory in Ireland faces long sentence back home

AN American wanted in California for his part in a Ponzi scheme has today escaped a jail sentence in Ireland for running a drugs factory in his apartment. Scott Cavell was sentenced to time-served with the remainder of a five year sentence suspended on the condition he co-operates with his deportation back to the US. He is accused in the US of running a mortgage fraud scheme for which his partner in crime was jailed for 14 years. The judge ruled that Cavell not be released until the details of deportation have been organised. His mini-drugs factory was discovered when cops executed a warrant for his arrest in connection with the fraud charges last year. He is one of four people associated with the $100 million Loomis Wealth Solutions scam. Read background here in the Sacramento Bee.