Two Aer Lingus employees have been arrested as part of an investigation into an immigrant smuggling ring at Dublin Airport.
Two Aer Lingus employees have been arrested as part of an investigation into an immigrant smuggling ring at Dublin Airport.
Three men – aged 61, 56 and 28 – are being detained at Ballymun and Coolock Garda stations.
Last night a foreign national from outside the EU arrived at Dublin Airport and Gardaí followed indications that two Aer Lingus staff were going to help get that man past immigration controls.
The three men are in Garda custody after the operation that also involved searches of property and vehicles.
Gardaí are trying to establish how many times this may have happened before.
Asst Commissioner John O'Driscoll from the Special Crime Operations Unit says the offers of big money from illegal immigrants can be attractive.
Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan says the investigation is part of the effort to strengthen Ireland's borders.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says all entry paths into Ireland need to be properly policed.
The three men remain in custody under the suspected offence of smuggling illegal immigrants.
