Criminals are being caught by the Criminal Assets Bureau after flaunting their lavish lifestyles on social media, posting pictures of cosmetic surgery, high-end clothing and holidays. In an exclusive interview with the Irish Daily Mail, CAB’s chief bureau officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins, described how online photos of designer clothes, handbags, watches and even hot tubs are being used to build cases against the nation’s criminals. Det.
Chief Supt Gubbins also detailed how cosmetic surgeries bought by criminals for their partners, family members or themselves are being used to show the courts that their lifestyles are being funded by the proceeds of crime. The use of designer watches as a criminal form of currency is also on the rise, he said, as they provide an easy form of getaway cash when they are on the run. Det Chief Supt Gubbins said there are certain people who just can’t help showing off their ill-gotten gains – which can ultimately see them before the courts with their assets seized and auctioned.
He told the Mail: ‘The targets out themselves by the lifestyle that they now lead. Not only are they criminals, but they’re also part of the Instagram generation. ‘They’re wearing a high-value watch to a party.
They’re on holidays somewhere. Maybe they’re after getting new clothes.’ He added: ‘But don’t forget, it’s not just a criminal, but it’s their partners, it’s their families, it’s their circle of friends aroun.
