Seize
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996 to 2016 the Bureau can freeze and seize assets which it shows to the High Court are the proceeds of criminal conduct. This is done on the civil standard of proof which is known internationally as non-Conviction Based Forfeiture.
Tax
The Bureau can tax all sources of income. Where a person has a lifestyle not consistent with their returns to the Revenue Commissioners, the Bureau can raise tax assessments, issue tax demands and collect tax where it has not been paid. CAB can also implement all Customs controls and legislation as and when necessary.
Recover
Social Welfare payments are made by the Department of Social Protection. The Bureau is empowered to investigate, determine and recover any Social Welfare payments that have been falsely claimed. The Minister may also refer cases to the Bureau where there are reasonable grounds to believe that Social Welfare Officials may be subject to threats or other forms of intimidation.
News/Press Releases/Publications
CAB attend CARIN Conference
Last Thursday, 30 October 2025, the Chief Bureau Officer, Michael Gubbins and Detective Inspector Barry Butler attended the CARIN Conference in the Hague, Netherlands where Memorandums of Understandings were signed with our colleagues from Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The Criminal Assets [...]
CAB – Annual Report 2025
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan has published the Criminal Assets Bureau’s 29th Annual Report covering the calendar year 2024. This report sets out the activities of the Bureau throughout the year 2024 in compliance with [...]