Expert legal Advice
Economic Crime
Mulholland Law advises individuals and businesses on economic crime matters in Ireland, including fraud, money laundering, and corruption offences. Discreet, expert legal advice.
Economic crime is one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal law in Ireland. Provisional An Garda Síochána figures show that fraud offences rose by 137% in 2025 compared to 2024 — a sharp increase that reflects both the growing complexity of financial crime and a greater awareness of reporting obligations.
Whether you are an individual who has been contacted by Gardaí, a business facing an internal fraud investigation, or a company director concerned about regulatory compliance, the right legal advice at the earliest stage is essential.
At Mulholland Law, we provide clear, confidential, and expert advice across the full range of economic crime matters.
What Is Economic Crime?
Economic crime is a broad term covering offences that involve financial gain or loss through dishonest, corrupt, or unlawful conduct. Under Irish law, it spans several distinct legislative frameworks:
The key legislation includes:
- Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 — the primary statute governing fraud, theft, deception, forgery, false accounting, and handling stolen property in Ireland
- Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended) — which sets out offences relating to money laundering and the obligations placed on businesses and individuals to prevent it
- Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 — which introduced updated offences relating to bribery and corruption in both the public and private sectors
- Criminal Justice Act 2011 — which includes reporting obligations (Section 19) relevant to fraud, bribery, and certain corporate offences
Areas We Advise On:
Fraud & Deception Fraud offences under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 include making a gain or causing loss by deception, false accounting, and offences relating to the misuse of electronic data. Under Section 6 of the Act, a person who dishonestly, with the intention of making a gain or causing loss to another, by any deception induces another to do or refrain from doing an act is guilty of an offence. We advise both individuals facing investigation and businesses that have been victims of fraud.
Money Laundering The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, as amended by the 2021 Amendment Act, provides offences relating to money laundering in and outside of Ireland and sets out the preventive measures businesses must take to combat the risk of money laundering. We advise on both criminal defence and compliance obligations.
Money Mule Offences An increase in laundering through money mule accounts has been seen in Ireland in recent years, with over €44 million laundered through these accounts between 2021 and 2024. Individuals who allow their accounts to be used in this way - even without full knowledge - may face criminal prosecution. If you have been approached or are under investigation, seek advice immediately.
Corruption & Bribery The Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 introduced an array of new criminal offences relating to corruption, which extend to corrupt practices within corporate structures. We advise directors, employees, and organisations on both their exposure and their defence.
Cybercrime & Online Fraud More than 90% of money mule transactions are linked to cybercrime and online fraud is now the dominant driver of economic crime in Ireland. We advise on matters involving online fraud, account takeover, invoice fraud, and phishing-related offences.
Corporate & White-Collar Crime We advise companies and their directors on internal investigations, regulatory enquiries, and proceedings initiated by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) or An Garda Síochána.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Economic crime investigations can move quickly. Garda powers in this area are significant, and the consequences - including criminal conviction, confiscation of assets, and reputational damage, can be serious and long-lasting.
Getting proper legal advice before you speak to investigators, respond to a search warrant, or engage with a regulatory body can make a material difference to the outcome of your case.
We offer discreet, confidential consultations. You are not obliged to answer any questions at this stage — the first step is simply to understand where you stand.
If you have questions about an economic crime matter, whether as an individual, a business, or a company director ,the team at Mulholland Law is happy to help. Feel free to get in touch to arrange a confidential consultation.