A MAJOR probe is under way after dozens of fake training results were allegedly submitted to a Government body.
The investigation was launched in April after a complaint was made to Blanchardstown Garda station over the issuing of up to 70 ‘Private Security Authority’ licenses.
The licence is issued to people who are seeking employment once they have completed a registered training course.
But Gardai now suspect PSA licences were issued after fraudsters supplied bogus training certificates from registered companies.
It’s understood schemers were selling the dodgy certificates for €400. It’s also believed the scam started in 2023.
The PSA confirmed an investigation was underway.
A spokesperson for the PSA said: “In April, the Private Security Authority become aware of an issue involving the submission of forged training results forms by some applicants when applying to the PSA for a security guard licence.
“The PSA took immediate steps to ensure that a licence issues only when an applicant has successfully completed the requisite training.
“Applicants who have submitted forged training results will have their application refused.
“The PSA is checking older applications and revoking licences obtained using a forged training results form.
“Details of applications supported by forgeries are being passed to the Gardaí for investigation and possible prosecution. Given that ongoing investigation, the PSA has no further comment at this time.”
One security source said: “The criminals are offering fraudulent forms to individuals and telling them they don’t have to attend the PSA approved course.
‘ORGANISED SCAM’
“There are people out there who have received no training yet they have the PSA licenses.
“The individuals who have obtained these licenses through bogus training certificates have no training in fire safety protocols, no training for physical intervention and no training for false arrest avoidance.
“A number of companies have been affected by this scam and something needs to be done about it.
“This is clearly an organised scam.”
At present, 41,447 PSA licences have been issued in Ireland.
The most popular PSA licence is the ‘Guarding Licence’ which allows individuals to work in areas of security where alcohol is not sold.
Other stats show that 12,702 licences were issued to people allowing them to work in pubs and clubs.
