February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Andrew Bushe
DUBLIN — Three Libyans and an Algerian were arrested in swoops by gardai on Tuesday in what is described as “an ongoing investigation into international terrorist groups.”
The move is part of a probe into a small group based in Ireland that is suspected of operating as a support network for international terror groups connected to Osama Bin Laden.
It is understood that the affairs of a number of Islamic charities that might have been used to channel money to Bin Laden’s Al Queda network are also being investigated.
The arrests were made in raids on five premises in South Dublin by the Special Detective Unit, which is normally involved in operations against republican and loyalist paramilitary groups.
Gardai will only describe the men as “non-nationals” aged between 24 and 39.
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One of the men is understood to have become a naturalized Irish citizen who has lived in Ireland for 20 years, is married and has children.
Another of those held is an Algerian who is understood to have relatives in custody abroad and is suspected of being associated with those involved in an attempted attack on Los Angeles during the millennium celebrations.
The men are being detained under Section 30 of the Offenses Against the State Act, which allows them to be held without charge for up to 72 hours.
Gardai said documentation and money was seized when the men were arrested. They would give no details of what premises were raided.
The men are being questioned in Terenure and Kevin Street police stations.