Man (24) accused of acting as a ‘money mule’
A WEST Dublin man has been accused of acting as a “money mule” by allowing his bank account to be used by others to launder more than €51,000.
It has been alleged there were six fraudulent transactions on Dean Coleman’s account, with more than half the money being withdrawn.
AIB on Main Street Lucan
Judge David McHugh said he needed to hear more evidence of how the accused was meant to have benefitted from the alleged crime before he decides whether the case can be dealt with in Blanchardstown District Court.
Mr Coleman, aged 24, with an address at Dodsborough Cottages, Lucan, is charged with possession of criminal proceeds at AIB, Main Street, Lucan between June 12 and 27, 2019.
Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the DPP was directing summary disposal of the case in the district court, if a judge accepts jurisdiction.
She said the allegation was that the accused acted as a “money mule” by allowing his bank account to be used to launder a total of €51,179 in six fraudulent transactions.
The court heard some €25,000 was successfully recovered but the remainder of the money had already been withdrawn.
It was alleged the accused was tricked into handing over his ATM PIN and Iban numbers and it was alleged he told gardai he continued with the transactions against his will.
Gardai did not accept at the time that this account was credible but did accept he was not the major beneficiary of the offence, Sgt Callaghan said.
Judge McHugh asked how it was alleged Mr Coleman benefitted and Sgt Callaghan said it was alleged he received a “contribution” for allowing his account to be used.
Judge McHugh said the figure involved in the charge was “quite large” so he required further information before deciding on jurisdiction.
Sgt Callaghan said it was a complicated file, she only had a summary of the evidence and the investigating garda would be able to give the court more information.
Judge McHugh told the accused’s barrister he would not indicate whether he was going to accept jurisdiction until he had “every fact” and adjourned the case to a date in December.
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