Judge refuses jurisdiction in Longford money laundering case

A young man accused of money laundering will find out if the DPP consents to have the matter dealt with in the Circuit court at a February hearing of his case.

Judge Bernadette Owens refused jurisdiction of the case against Paul Adetunji (24) of 55 Lana Aoibheann, Longford at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.

The defendant faces 10 charges of engaging in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using property (money) the proceeds of criminal conduct contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Finance) Act. The charges range in value from €100 to €5,000 and totalling €8,200 are all from December 17, of 2019.

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During a jurisdiction hearing Sergeant Enda Daly told Judge Owens the charges arise from an alleged email redirect fraud. Sgt Daly told the court that in an interview Mr Adetunji stated he was not aware that the money was stolen.

The court presenter said in an interview the defendant claimed he was promised €500 for his involvement. Sgt Daly said Mr Adetunji admitted withdrawing money from the An Post account and setting up the account at the behest of a third party.

All of the money was withdrawn within a couple of days and none was recovered.

Sgt Daly said it was the Garda belief that the defendant was what is described as a “money mule” for a third party who was behind the scheme, and the defendant was not involved in the redirection aspect of the offence. He suggested the organisers were operating outside of the jurisdiction.

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The sergeant said Mr Adetunji admitted in an interview that he was asked to set up the An Post account by a third party.

Having considered the details presented in the jurisdiction hearing Judge Owens refused jurisdiction. The judge said her decision was influenced by the amount moved through the account; the fact that none of the money was recovered; that the defendant set up the account knowing it was to be used for fraud; and the fact a third party had withdrawn the money from the account.

The judge then adjourned the matter to February 18, 20925 for DPP consent to have the matter dealt with in the Circuit Court.