An investigation into suspected social welfare fraud has targeted 22 separate business premises in Tullamore, Co Offaly and led to five arrests.
The multi-agency operation was carried out yesterday.
It was led by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and also involved officers from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department of Social Protection.
A Garda statement said the investigation arose from "ongoing multi-agency cooperation between the Departments which identified suspected abuses of Department of Social Welfare and Social Welfare fraud".
The search involved 22 separate business premises being subjected to unannounced inspections and five men - aged from 38 to 47 years - were arrested.
The five arrests relate to offences contrary to Section 12 of the Immigration Act, 2004 and Section 2(1) of The Employment Permits Act 2003.
All five men were charged with these offences and bailed to appear before Tullamore District Court on 13 October, 2021.
Investigations ongoing.
