Around 1000 sham marriages have taken place in the past year, according to Gardai.

They’ve arrested 2 women and 9 men today, following 42 searches across the country in counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Longford, Louth, Cork, Limerick and Mayo.

Grooms would typically be from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Mauritius, with brides from Eastern Europe and Portugal.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Courage from the Garda National Immigration Bureau explains how the scam works;

Juliette Gash reports on Operation Vantage;