'Traumatic' Tiger Kidnapping In Tallaght

Two men have been involved in what has been described as a "traumatic" tiger-kidnapping incident in County Dublin.

Gardaí in Tallaght have launched an investigation into the incident which involved the false imprisonment and abduction of a male bank official and another man from a house in Deerpark, Kiltipper area in Tallaght.

According to Gardaí, at approximately 1.30am yesterday morning three armed men entered the victim's home and demanded that the bank official obtain a sum of money from the bank and await instructions. It is believed at least two of the men were armed with handguns or short arms. The three men then took the second male away from the house in Deerpark.

The bank official operating under duress went to the AIB bank as instructed and on to a specified location where he handed over a of €200,000 to the gang. Shortly after 1.30pm the second man was released and sought assistance from the Gardaí in Coolock.

When Gardaí were alerted to the incident an immediate operation was put in place. Officers have launched an appeal for information from the public on any activity, which they might have seen in the following areas:

In the Deerpark, Kiltipper area between the hours of 11pm Monday night and 3.30am yesterday morning.

Allied Irish Bank, Crumlin Cross, Dublin 12 between 8.30am and 12 noon, yesterday.

The area around the Red Cow roundabout shortly after 12 noon today, which was the location to which the bank official was directed.

The location where the second man was released at the junction of Drumnigh Road and Moyne Road, Portmarnock at about 1.30 p.m. today

A Garda spokesman said: "Both men have been through a traumatic experience."

An incident room has been set up at Tallaght Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai on 01 6666056 or 01 6666000the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

This morning, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has requested a report about the matter from gardaí due to a possible "breach of protocols" during the incident.

Under newly introduced rules, banks are supposed to alert Gardaí before any bank worker can take money from a branch. The protocol has led to a series of arrests in recent tiger kidnapping attempts, but it is believed the AIB branch had failed to implement the new procedure.

AIB said it has launched an internal inquiry but has refused to confirm any breach of protocols by its staff.

(DW/GK)