The Criminal Assets Bureau is to hold an online auction of over 100 seized items in December.

It said 50 of the items for sale, which have a retail value of more than €500,000, are watches.

Money from the sale will go back to the State.

CAB's Chief Bureau Officer Michael Gubbins said the seized items represent the proceeds of crime.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, he said that the lifestyle of criminals is now "very much in your face" and shown to the communities in which they live.

CAB can also take properties, which he said often have elaborate extensions.

Mr Gubbins said there was also an increase in criminals going abroad for cosmetic surgery, which is not as straightforward in terms of being identified as an asset.

He said the seizing of items is to deny and deprive and sends a strong message to the community.