Former senior garda in Kildare quits force to fight cyber crime in banking sector
A senior fraud detective, who served in Kildare, has quit the force to battle cyber crime in the banking sector.
Det Insp Mel Smyth, who worked in the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNEB), fronted anti-fraud campaigns and also appeared on Crimecall.
He confirmed he is leaving An Garda Siochana after nearly 35 years to take up a position with financial giant, Barclays Bank.
Smyth said: "I have finished my career battling economic crime: it is an ongoing and growing threat as international criminal organisations and individuals schooled by others on the 'dark net' and via social media, prey on our citizens."
He added: "I have done my part, I am happy to hand over the mantle to my colleagues in GNECB who are doing tremendous work, I wish them well. I will be continuing the work against cyber fraud in the private sector with Barclays Bank, more to come on that."
Before Smyth was appointed to the GNEB in 2019, he had served as an Inspector in Kildare town from 2014 to 2019. He also worked at Inspector rank in Clondalkin Garda Station and also had a stint as a sergeant in Tallaght.
Paying tribute to his garda colleagues, the retired officer also described modern day policing in Ireland as "difficult".
He said: "I have been fortunate to work with incredible people throughout my career both within An Garda Siochana and without, at home and abroad. I enjoyed every day of those years.
"We, policemen and policewomen play a unique role in society as we deal with the distress suffered by people impacted by all the various forms of criminality, violence, social unrest, domestic and sexual violence and other misfortunes that require police attention.
"We are not immune to stress even as we grow accustomed to difficult situations as our careers and lives progress. It is a difficult job! However, it is made possible by the support we give each other every day of our lives and the support we receive from our families, friends and beyond."