Scouting Ireland arrest: Gardaí believe there are more than 20 alleged sexual abuse victims

A number of properties were also searched by officers.

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING SEXUAL abuse allegedly carried out by a scout leader over a 30 year period believe there to be a number of victims who have not yet spoken to the force.

The arrested man, who is in his 70s, has already been accused by over 20 alleged victims who say he sexually abused them.

Some have said they were plied with alcohol and then abused by the man. 

Gardaí investigating the allegations believe that the man may be responsible for more crimes than those he has already been accused of. They are now urging other victims to speak to gardaí. 

Officers have also seized documentation, electronic devices and computers belonging to the man. 

The allegations were first made by a man who told gardaí he was abused while he was a scout. From there, more men came forward and gave gardaí statements informing them that they too had been abused.

Officers from the Protective Services Unit in Cork city carried out four searches at properties in Cork and one in Kerry. During these searches, they seized documentation, electronic devices and computers.  

A garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána is continuing to liaise with the review group and Tusla in relation to these matters and thanks them for their assistance to date.

“Each and every complaint made to An Garda Síochána will be investigated with professionalism and compassion. An Garda Síochána is appealing to any victim(s) who have not yet come forward to make a complaint at their local Garda station or via the confidential historical abuse phone line at 1800 555 222.

“The man is currently detained at Togher Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.”