Gardaí seconded to the Department of Social Protection, with support from personnel in the GNECB have this morning, 19th November 2022, arrested a man as part of an ongoing investigation into false claims allegedly made under the EWSS (Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme).

Following a search of a residence in Co.Meath today, a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of theft and approximately €45,000 in cash and two cars were also seized.

The man is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Drogheda Garda Station.

It is being investigated that claims were made using the names of employees from companies that were not trading during the Covid health emergency. These claims were made without the knowledge of the companies or these employees.

Approximately €250,000 was paid into bank accounts which were set up with false passports.
The EWSS allowed for companies whose revenue was down over 30% during Covid to make claims for support from Government and Covid recovery funds.