More than 4,000 e-bikes, and a small number of e-scooters, with a combined value of around €4.5 million have been seized in the Republic in an operation by the Revenue Commissioners.
The bikes were seized - in an operation that unfolded over a number of days - because it is suspected they were smuggled into the country without the import duties being paid on them.
The Revenue Commissioners - the Republic's tax collectors and enforcers - said the public exchequer would have lost an estimated €2.3 million, due to import taxes foregone, if the bikes had been sold here.
In a statement, the Revenue Commissioners said it had seized "in excess of 4,000 e-bikes and a small number of e-scooters" at two separate locations in Wexford as part of an operation targeting the illegal importation of e-bikes.
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"As part of an ongoing investigation Revenue officers searched, under warrant, two warehouses at separate locations in the Wexford area discovering a significant number of e-bikes and a small number of e-scooters," it added.
"Ancillary items and spare parts were also discovered. These e-bikes and e-scooters are believed to have been destined for sale on both the national market and the wider EU market. A number of individuals are assisting with enquiries.
"Revenue is working with OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) in this investigation, to protect the EU's financial interests against what is believed to be part of an international smuggling operation being conducted across the EU.
"These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing campaign targeting the illegal importation of products into the State and the wider European Union."
Revenue added if businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
