Money 'mule' to reappear in court on Longford laundering charges

A man accused of engaging in money-laundering activity has had his case adjourned to May of this year, when a probation report is expected to be furnished to the court.

Lucky Igbinogun (22), of 17 the Hollows, Farnagh Hill, Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens last week, charged with handling property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

That property amounted to €2,100, which was withdrawn from an ATM machine in Longford town on January 24, 2020, in two instalments - the first instalment was €1,500 and the second amount was €600, using the account and bank card of a co-accused.

That co-accused, who appeared before the courts in December, is also charged with the transferring or handling of €16,500.34 on the same date in an invoice redirection fraud. The injured party, the court heard, was based in the Czech Republic.

Solicitor for Mr Igbinogun, Ms Bríd Mimnagh, said her client was “the mule” in this joint enterprise between the two co-accused.

“He got €60 for doing this,” she said.

Sgt Mark Mahon, for the state, told the court that Mr Igbinogun has two previous convictions - one for a section six public order offence and one for a Covid-related offence, but said “he would be known to the court”.

Judge Owens directed a probation report and put the case back to May 7, 2024, when Mr Igbinogun’s co-accused is also due to reappear.