Hostage Situation and Robbery Culminate at Dublin Airport

Irish Garda investigating home invasion-coercion robbery of over €200,000 came to a head at Dublin Airport.

The Irish national police are asking for the public’s help in gathering information about a robbery that ended at Dublin Airport (DUB). The Irish Times reports the Irish Garda is looking for information about a series of events that led to over €200,000 being stolen from a cash courier service, handed over at the airport.

The situation began on December 2 when three suspected gang members raided the home of a cash-in-transit driver working for General Secure Logistic Services. The gangsters were armed with at least one gun and took the driver’s family hostage, demanding his participation in the robbery.

On December 3, the driver reported to work as normal, while his family was transported in another van. The gangsters instructed the driver to take his van and meet with accomplices at DUB. There, the group stole the money from the van. The driver was told if he informed the police or fought the robbery, the family would be harmed. Overall, the robbers got away with a sum that could be as much as €250,000 in cash, while the driver and his family were recovered safely after the ordeal.

The Irish News reports the situation created a security alert at DUB, with many passengers reporting seeing armed guards throughout the airport property. Airport officials announced on Twitter that the situation was a “localized Garda-related incident,” confirming the situation was not security related and all flight operations were continuing as normal. However, FlightRadar24.com reports over 20 flights were delayed departing DUB during the investigation.

The Irish national police are seeking the public’s assistance, looking for those who may have information about the robbery or saw a white box-type van near DUB between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. local time. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Irish Garda.

[Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin]