Welcome to the
Criminal Assets Bureau
Denying and depriving people of the proceeds of criminal conduct
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 Marks 30 Years
On this day 30 years ago, the Criminal Assets Bureau was established as an independent statutory body by enactment of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. Its establishment followed the murders of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and journalist Veronica Guerin [...]
CAB – 30th Annual Report
Last month, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan published the Bureau's 30th Annual Report which outlines the activities of the Criminal Assets Bureau for the year 2025, which brought about a return to the Exchequer of [...]