Man Extradited from Cyprus in Major Driving Test Fraud Investigation
Man extradited from Cyprus in major driving test fraud investigation appears in Dublin court as part of Operation Cartwheel targeting organised crime group.
A man has been brought back to Ireland from Cyprus as part of a major Garda investigation into an organised crime group that allegedly arranged for fraudulent driving theory tests to be taken on behalf of others across the country.
The suspect was extradited yesterday, Friday 19th September 2025, on foot of a European Arrest Warrant by officers from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. He appeared before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin this morning, Saturday 20th September 2025.
The arrest forms part of Operation Cartwheel, an ongoing investigation into what Gardaí describe as a criminal conspiracy targeting companies that provide driving licence services on behalf of the Road Safety Authority.
The alleged scheme involved impersonators attending Driver Theory Test Centres nationwide and fraudulently taking and passing theory tests for financial reward. These impersonations enabled third parties to apply for and obtain genuine driving learner permits without having completed the prerequisite tests themselves.
The investigation has already resulted in significant prosecutions. Two individuals have been previously charged and convicted in connection with the operation, whilst two others are currently before the courts awaiting trial.
Gardaí continue their investigations into the organised crime group's activities. The extradition demonstrates the international scope of the investigation and Gardaí's commitment to pursuing suspects regardless of their location.
