A native of South West Limerick region has has been appointed to one of the most high profile and critical garda units targeting organised crime.
Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins is originally from the Kilmallock area of West Limerick and has had a stellar career in An Garda Siochana. He is set to take over from Chief Superintendent Pat Clavin as head of the Criminal Assets Bureau – the garda unit that targets the ill gotten gains of organised criminals.
His career has seen him hold senior posts in areas such as cyber crime and in Special Crime Operations which deals with the most serious of criminals including crime gangs.
He was promoted and stationed as Chief Superintendent of Clare Division in recent times and led the garda operation for the visit of Donald Trump.
He was also heavily involved in the murder of Rachel O’Reilly by her husband Joe O’Reilly – he was also involved in the investigation of the Lying Eyes case involving Sharon Collins.
The Criminal Assets Bureau are involved in a number of cases across the Avondhu region including targeting an alleged organised crime gang living between Glanmire and Watergrasshill. They have also carried out recent raids on drug dealers in Limerick and in Tipperary.
A garda spokesman said said that he would take up the role immediately.
“The Garda Commissioner has appointed Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins as Chief Bureau Officer, Criminal Assets Bureau with immediate effect and has informed the Minister for Justice and Equality of the appointment.
“The appointment of Detective Chief Superintendent Gubbins arises from the promotion of Acting Assistant Commissioner Patrick Clavin. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris thanked Acting Assistant Commissioner Clavin for his dedicated service and leadership of the Criminal Assets Bureau since his appointment as Chief Bureau Officer in 2016.
“Acting Assistant Commissioner Clavin will assume responsibility, from June 2 2020, for An Garda Síochána Governance and Accountability which includes sections such as Anti-Corruption Unit, Internal Affairs and Risk Management.”
