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ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer.

But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits.

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His Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a “lair”, one with “Scandinavian minimalism”, featuring glass walls and a backyard pool.

The ground floor’s main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of Gyokeres performing his famous “Bane mask” celebration.

He explained: “Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it.

“Since then, I’ve always done it when I score … and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I’ve seen it. But it’s a little like, take it how you want it.

“If you think it’s Bane, you can think that. If you think it’s something else, that’s fine too.”

His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs.

Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm “10-15 minutes before I leave” because he values sleep.

In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Coventry, he said: “Physicality is a big part of my game. I always need to maintain it and keep getting better.

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“I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body.

“I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That’s what I enjoy on a daily basis.”

Home from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty.

To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: “With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends.

“Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine. In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference.”

Despite his expectation to leave Portugal for England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: “I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe… it feels like home.”

And intent on not giving anything away about his future, he added about the speculation: “That’s just clickbait. Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.”

However, he goes on to suggest he has always “dreamed” of “being on the best teams in the world”, even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football.

He said: “I didn’t like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn’t know. I was new, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.

“It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself.

“Of course, when you’re younger – 10, 11, 12 – you’re always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world.

“But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don’t really think it through. It’s more of a dream.

I didn’t like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn’t know.

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He added: “Playing football in front of people – it’s just something I’m so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it’s easy.”

Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden’s upcoming fixtures against Hungary and Algeria due to a “minor issue”, with many putting two and two together, suspecting it is to do with a future move.

But Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed: “I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn’t trained much in recent weeks and has been struggling with a small injury.

“I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.”

ZUBIMENDI WATCH

There was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current Arsenal midfielder play alongside a future one.

In Spain’s dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over France, Mikel Merino lined up next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week.

Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6.

It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an Arsenal shirt next season.

For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something Declan Rice will love in that role.

And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play.

He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star Kylian Mbappe on his backside.

The Spanish media wrote: “When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that’s when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential.

“The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.”

But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against France, he would turn and immediately go direct by pinging balls into the wide areas for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter another Arsenal target.

You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the England winger loves: early passes to catch opposition full-backs off guard.

KEPA OR GARCIA?

Among other areas in the squad, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make regarding his No.2.

With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – Arsenal are in need of a back-up for David Raya.

There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season.

However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from Ajax for £1m in July 2024.

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It is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future.

So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Benjamin Sesko, 21.

There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with Barcelona pushing hard to get him.

And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Chelsea keeper who reportedly has a release clause of £5m having spent last season on loan at the Cherries.

Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet.

GABRIEL AND SALIBA’S FEAR FACTOR

Brazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally signed a new long-term contract until 2029 after links with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.

SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k.

It is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and William Saliba – whose contracts also expire in 2027 – will be next, as well as Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe.

He said: “I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: ‘you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together’ and things like that, so it’s good to hear.

“That’s what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.”

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AS TikTok’s popularity shows no signs of waning, the app has quickly become a hub for promoting and sharing health content – including supposed quick fixes for shedding weight, crammed into bite-sized videos. 

From testimonials from people who’ve undergone astounding weight loss transformations, to tip videos on how to achieve a calorie deficit and high-protein meal advice, there’s much to choose from. 

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Weight loss content on the app can toe the line between informative and dangerous.

TikTok recently went to the lengths of banning #SkinnyTok, a landing page that served as a hub for extreme dieting content, which critics said glamorised thinness and promoted disordered eating.

People using the hashtag will now be redirected to mental health support resources instead.

A number of weight loss ‘hacks‘ shared across TikTok make reference to blockbuster weight loss jabs, claiming to be ‘nature’s Ozempic‘.

According to Lucy Diamond, registered dietitian and clinical director for innovation at NHS weight management provider, Oviva, “none of them achieve the weight loss as a GL-P1 medication would”. 

This is especially the case when you compare these supposed ‘hacks’ to medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – known as the ‘King King’ of weight loss jabs – which spur users to drop 15 to 20 per cent of their body weight. 

“A lot of them are over-promising and probably would be under-delivering in reality,” Lucy stated, pointing out that many tips shared across the platform also aren’t backed up with scientific evidence.

Concerningly, many of these trends will be put forward by healthcare professionals or people who claim to have nutrition credentials, imbuing viewers with a false sense of trust. 

“Using that trust can be dangerous, because you think ‘Well, if it’s been said by a healthcare professional, it must be safe, it must be effective.” 

“There is not one [TikTok weight loss hack] out of all of them that I would say is your golden ticket to weight loss.

“A lot of them are lacking robust evidence and not one of them has a direct comparison, a control trial against a GLP-1. So you can’t with any evidence say these are comparable to a GLP-1.”

On top of this, some of the weight loss tips shared across TikTok are just “bizarre”, Lucy added. 

“Obesity is complex and simplifying how to treat it in quick fix videos can be really devastating for people who think that is going to be their answer,” she went on. 

“And I do have a worry that these videos are appealing to people who don’t need to lose weight.”

For people whose health would be benefitted by weight loss, signposting them to the right support services is key, so they can make lifestyle changes that last in the long term, the dietitian said. 

“If you following some of these quick fixes in the long run, I’d be concerned about the impact on health.” 

From ‘natural’ supplements claiming to melt weight off like Ozempic and Wegovy, to everyday ingredients like green tea, olive oil and apple cider vinegar, we give the lowdown on seven TikTok weight loss hacks.

1. Berberine 

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A supplement called berberine has been all over social media for a while, with influencers claiming it’s helped them shed stubborn pounds in a matter of weeks. 

Some studies do suggest that berberine could aid weight loss and improve overall metabolic health. 

A 2020 review of trials found that while the compound seemed to reduce BMI and waist circumference, it didn’t significantly reduce overall body weight. 

Another review conducted in 2022 found significant decreases in both weight and BMI in people who took berberine, though the individual studies reviewed were inconsistent and did not allow definite conclusions. 

But would Lucy recommend berberine for weight loss? 

“Absolutley not,” she told Sun Health. 

Common side effects include diarrhoea, constipation, gas and an upset stomach. Large quantities may be fatal.

“It’s sad that it’s deemed as a natural alternative to Ozempic,” Lucy said. 

“There is some evidence that it possibly helps lower blood sugar levels slightly – but if you’re not absorbing your food, it is going to have that effect.

“For me, that is not a healthy way to lose weight. Trying to stop your food being absorbed and having awful side effects is not a healthy way to lose weight.

“There is no big study showing it’s impactful and proven to support weight loss.”

Lucy also took issue with the fact that berberine is often described as the ‘nature’s Ozempic’, the natural alternative to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. 

It’s misleading to compare the supplement to Ozempic or its weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

These medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone produced naturally by your gut when you eat food, to control blood sugar levels, slow down digestion of food and reduce hunger pangs.

Berberine – a supplement derived from plant compounds – can’t achieve the same pharmaceutical effect and it’s unlikely to be a quick and easy fix for weight loss.

“We’re often sold on needing to be healthy and organic and [berberine] sells itself as being the healthier route to weight loss instead of a GLP-1 medication,” Lucy pointed out. 

“For someone that really needs the GLP-1 treatment, is it delaying or causing someone to go down that path when actually there is a safe alternative route that might be right for them, that’s medically supervised, supported with diet and lifestyle changes and has long term health benefits?” 

2. Apple cider vinegar

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Creators claim diluting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and guzzling this down at the start of the day or before meals could reduce your appetite, bring down bloating and help burn fat – as well as regulate blood sugar levels. 

A widely quoted study from 2009 followed 175 people who consumed a drink containing one or two tablespoons of vinegar each day.

After three months, those who consumed vinegar lost very modest amounts of weight  – about two to four pounds. 

Another small study found that vinegar consumption might help suppress appetite – but it did so by making participants feel sick. 

But according to Lucy, “there is no evidence that shows us that apple cider vinegar is proven to have a fat burning effect”. 

“I think there is some suggesting it might slightly lower your post-meal rise in glucose, but not enough to be a convincing story that this can help with preventing diabetes, treating diabetes and be effective for weight loss,” she went on. 

“For me, the more worrying thing about [taking apple cider vinegar for weight loss] is the effect it might have on the stomach in the long run.”

The condiment’s “high acid level” could irritate the stomach and “possibly” be damaging in the long-term. 

3. Green tea 

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Sipping on a cup of green tea is a healthy habit – especially if you’re having it instead of sweet or fizzy drinks. 

But can it help melt off pounds, like some TikTok creators claim? The evidence remains unclear, according to Lucy. 

One creator – who bills herself as a holistic chef and certified nutrition coach – claimed “green tea is one of the best beverages for getting fat off the body”, advising viewers to drink “three to five cups to notice a difference”. 

Another – this one a fat loss dietitian – claimed the polyphenols in the tea helped stimulate GLP-1, the fullness hormone weight loss jabs mimic. 

Others link green tea’s caffeine content to its fat loss potential, with some creators claiming that drinking the stuff on an empty stomach could help burn fat, according to Lucy. 

The drink has also been the subject of extensive research, but evidence remains shaky, the dietitian stated. 

“The evidence base is just not there,” she said. 

“And if you’re comparing [green tea] to a GLP-1 – which can bring on 15 to 20 percent body weight loss – this is not going to get you there.”

At most, drinking green tea will amount to “a couple of percentages of fat on the weight loss front”.

She called out “the unrealistic expectations of overpromising something supplementary to your diet that’s going to help lose your weight”.

“It may alongside a healthy balanced diet, but it’s the healthy balanced diet and lifestyle changes that’s driving weight loss,” the dietician stated. 

4. Yerba Mate 

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Another form of tea called Yerba Mate has also been linked to weight loss on the app. 

Like green and black tea, the traditional South American brew contains caffeine. It can be consumed both warm and cold. 

Creators – one of them a plastic surgeon – claim the brew can help increase the metabolism, thus leading to weight loss. 

Another said drinking Yerba Mate had “snatched” her waist after having kids, so much so that her relatives questioned whether she was taking weight loss jabs. She touted the brew as a “natural” solution to weight loss. 

While Yerba Mate might feel “newer on the market”, Lucy said: “I think it’s just your next green tea.

“It’s the shiny new version of your green tea in the weight loss arena because it’s claiming the same things: it’s going to speed up your metabolism, it’s going to reduce your appetite.

“And yes, some of us experience suppression of appetite for a short period after caffeine.

“But that is not going to be a great energy expenditure to lead to impactful weight loss in the short term or long term.”

She took issue to health professionals peddling the product on the app without sufficient evidence. 

“As a dietitian, the title is protected and we’re on a health care professionals council, so we have to be really careful that anything we say externally is always backed by evidence.

“Have we got a big trial or a big study that can tell us that, yes, this is factually correct, this is going to be your answer to weight loss?

“If we don’t have that, we have to tread very carefully and ensure that everything we do say is evidence based.

“And ideally, the study will not be just in a small cohort and not in animals, but a larger, robust clinical trial in humans that shows some great outcomes in humans.”

5. Buckwheat – the ‘Slavic girl diet’ 

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The so-called ‘Slavic girl diet’ has been making the rounds on TikTok since last year. 

It rests on the premise that Eastern European and Russian women stay slim thanks to humble staples like buckwheat and pickled vegetables. 

Videos made under the hashtag have captions like “Slavic girls know the ultimate trick to staying skinny is buckwheat” and “debloating secrets of Slavic women”. 

“The Slavic diet is full of de-bloating foods that keep your waist tiny and skin glowing,” one creator claimed. 

Lucy was slower to dismiss this trend compared to others, saying it “sits on the fence” when it comes to weight loss research. 

Buckwheat – small, nugget-like grains that can be eaten in the same way as rice – is gluten free and high in protein and fibre. 

“We know that a high-protein, high-fibre diet – like buckwheat – really does aid satiety, so it keeps you fuller for longer and is digested more slowly by the stomach,” she said. 

“Increasing your fibre and increasing your protein are the right things to do to help with satiety and are also a foundation for a healthy way to lose weight.

“There are really robust clinical trials that support that a high fibre diet helps with weight loss, but also helps with your overall health. It actually reduces the risk of certain cancers, improves your cardiovascular health

“So part of me kind of agrees with this, but not fully.” 

The dietitian noted that “any monogenic diet is not your answer”. 

Simply eating more buckwheat won’t be the key to healthier habits and weight loss. Instead, you should be upping your fibre with other foods, such as beans, lentils and pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Aim for at least 25 grams a day. 

But do go easy on the fibre at first, Lucy advised

While foods with the nutrient can help with bloating and constipation, increasing it too quickly – especially if you’re not drinking enough water or exercising regularly – can “have the reverse effect”. 

“So I think it comes with some terms and conditions that are not advertised by the shiny flat stomach” in TikTok videos, Lucy said. 

6. ‘Excessive hydration’ 

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Were you to browse through weight loss content on TikTok, it’s likely that creators will include drinking lots of water in their lists of tips. 

Some will advise keeping a filled water bottle on you at all times, while others prescribe amounts such as three litres or gallon a day – which to Lucy seemed ludicrous. 

“There are benefits to hydration from a concentration perspective, from a bowel perspective. 

“So, for me hydration is key – but healthy hydration in line with the guidance, six to eight glasses a day. 

“From a weight loss perspective, I don’t think there is any solid evidence to be recommending it.”

She mentioned that some creators claim drinking water will help ‘flush out’ your digestive system. 

“It’s rare, but it can be dangerous to be flushing huge amounts through your body, through your kidney,” Lucy warned. 

But the dietitian did acknowledge that “sometimes hunger cues can be confused with thirst”, so staying well hydrated throughout the day is key. 

“It’s quite an old school [tip], have a glass of water before your meal,” she said, pointing out that there is some “small evidence” that having water before a meal may result in modest weight loss – but only “in combination with following calorie reduced diets”.

Another study from 2009 showed that people ate fewer calories if they water before meals. 

“Hydration is great, overhydration is crazy,” Lucy stressed.

7. Olive oil shots 

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Social media users have claimed that taking a shot of olive oil in the morning could “kickstart” your metabolism and help with weight loss. 

But Lucy wasn’t so sure about the unorthodox hack. 

“Olive oil has its health benefits – from a cardiovascular disease perspective it definitely has its place at the table. 

“But when it comes to a weight loss tool, I have not seen convincing evidence for it. 

“It isn’t a magic quick fix because a tablespoon of olive oil is the same calorie-wise as a tablespoon of fat, so it’s not saving you any calories.”

It probably won’t do much for your gut health either – fibrous food and probiotics are much more likely to help, the dietitian went on. 

Stick to drizzling olive oil on your salad rather than shotting it, Lucy advised. 

ELON Musk sent the internet into a crazy spiral on Thursday as he publicly lashed out at former friend Donald Trump on X.

The US president was quick to hit back at the Tesla boss with several bitter barbs of his own as their feud suddenly reignited in front of the world.

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The internet had been eagerly watching the nuclear dispute as it unfolded after hours of outlandish Jefferey Epstein claims and brutal impeachment barbs by Musk.

Trump hit back on Truth Social saying Elon was “wearing thin” around the White House.

He later warned the US government could end all federal contracts with Musk’s companies if the insults continued to fly.

Here are social media’s best reactions to the intense clash between the two mega powers.

Mean girl Trump

Famous 2004 film Mean Girls has managed to create a long lasting legacy online with the Trump/Musk feud now even being linked to the movie.

The picture shared online is taken from the perspective of Musk who is looking at the iconic “Burn Book” from the film.

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Trump’s face has been added to the page in place of Mean Girl’s villain Regina George.

The text above the image is the exact same as in the movie which says: “This girl is the nastiest skank b***h I’ve ever met. Do NOT TRUST HER. She is a fugly s***!”

Trump’s Stalinist purge

One of the quickest memes to emerge from the explosive fallout was an expertly AI generated image of a steely-faced Trump dressed as Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin.

A smiley Musk was stood next to him.

But a second image posted alongside it showed Musk suddenly disappearing from the picture.

The two-part joke was hinting at a possible “Great Purge” being ordered by Trump similar to what Stalin ordered in the mid 1930s.

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The purge – also known as the Great Terror – is a damning historical period which saw Stalin axe dozens of his political allies in the Soviet Union.

Any threat to Stalin’s regime was made to go through sham trials which resulted in them being removed from any form of power.

The government claimed they were getting rid of suspected party dissenters.

The meme was posted shortly after Trump announced on Truth Social that he in fact asked Musk to leave his role within the US government.

The president said the SpaceX chief was “wearing thin” and “went crazy” during his final weeks close to the White House.

Musk’s Russian-style coup

Musk is a famously persuasive man with him even claiming on Thursday he is the main reason why America re-elected Trump.

This created a whole load of hilarious comments and tweets on X as some jokingly ordered Musk to launch a coup on Washington.

One of the viral posts featured an image of the billionaire in a khaki jacket pointing at the camera.

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The pose had a striking similarity to the iconic Uncle Sam poster from the early 19th century.

It was followed by the caption: “Reports that Muskovite forces led by Elon Musk are preparing to march on Washington.”

The term Muskovite has been used before by Russian state television.

In October 2023, they hailed the world’s richest man after he posted a meme of himself ridiculing Ukraine for asking for US aid during the war.

In response, Kremlin TV presenter Olga Skabeyeva described the tech mogul as “Elon the Muscovite” on Russia-1.

Billionaire for billionaire

As Trump and Musk’s relationship capitulated before the internet’s eyes, many users jumped at the chance to speculate on a potential replacement to join Trump’s inner circle.

The leading candidate was Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The Zuck and Elon already share a number of similarities.

They both sit at the very top of the official world’s rich list with Musk at number one and Zuckerberg sat just behind in second.

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And both men own major social media platforms.

Musk famously acquired Twitter and transformed it into X whereas Zuckerberg created Facebook, now Meta, in 2004.

Trump already has a growing relationship with Zuckerberg after Meta donated $1m (£786,000) to an inauguration fund for the president.

The pair also shared dinner together at Mar-a-Lago in November.

But much like with Musk, the two have shared a turbulent past.

In 2017, Trump hit out at Facebook for being “anti-Trump” after the platform banned his account following the Capitol riots on January, 6, 2021.

Cybertruck conundrum

Two of the most liked memes circulating around the internet on Thursday featured Tesla Cybertrucks.

The powerful beasts are the brainchild of Musk and his remarkable staff at Tesla factories across the US.

But for one unlucky motorist his Cybertruck may be forced to stay in the garage forever after the public spat.

An image shows a parked up Tesla with the American flag emblazoned on the side in truly patriotic fashion.

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But superimposed over the top is the image of a defiant Trump just seconds after he was shot in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania last year.

The legendary photo shows the bleeding Republican with his fist raised high in the air as secret service agents crowd around him.

The moment is notable in regards to the Trump/Musk feud as the assassination attempt is believed to be one of the main reasons why Musk joined team Trump.

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It has even been revealed that Trump is yet to remove the Cybertruck he was gifted by Musk from the White House parking garage.

The second Tesla related meme shows the burning wreckage of a Cybertruck sat next to Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

The image is taken from the tragic New Year’s Day incident when former soldier Matthew Livelsberger shot himself in the head just seconds before blowing up the Tesla.

The X user suggests the flaming Cybertruck is comparable to how Musk has ignited a fiery feud with Trump.

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.

Garrett White - The Sun Dublin