Dublin: Gardaí have opened a major investigation following revelations of a fraudulent attempt to claim child benefit in the name of a boy who disappeared under suspicious circumstances in Dublin several years ago.
The case came to light after the child and family agency Tusla flagged concerns when a social welfare benefit application was submitted in the boy’s name. The child, who vanished at the age of three and a half, has not been accounted for since. Detectives now fear the boy may have died and that his body was concealed.
Tusla’s inquiry raised further alarms when relatives claimed the child had attended school, yet no records could be found to support this. The matter was referred to Swords Garda Station on Friday, where an incident room has since been established. Gardaí have searched an apartment at The Gallery, Donabate, in north County Dublin and interviewed members of the child’s family.
Garda Headquarters confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that no arrests have been made at this stage.
Child Welfare Minister Norma Foley said she has spoken with Tusla’s chief executive and requested a full update on the progress of the investigation. She appealed to anyone with information regarding the missing child to contact Gardaí immediately and assist with their inquiries.
Irish Samachar English News