Several fishing boats and factories were today raided by gardaí as part of a crackdown on suspected fraud.
Detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) began the searches this morning in Cos Donegal, Galway, Cork and Kerry.
The operation also included raids on homes, offices and factories in coastal towns and villages.
Gardaí are believed to be investigating fraud allegations claiming overfishing of quotas and misreporting of catches.
An earlier Garda investigation into alleged irregularities within the industry and alleged collusion with Government officials began in 2004. A file was later sent to the DPP.
PA
