‘Middle man’ caught in money laundering attempt at bank

A 27-year-old man was named in court as “the middle man” in a transaction which saw him attempt money laundering at a bank in Ashbourne.

Andile Shange, New Street, Casteblayney, Co Monaghan appeared at Trim District Court charged with an offence under money laundering legislation. Court Presenter Sergeant Kevin Moroney told the court that gardai at Ashbourne Garda Station got a call from an official in the bank on 25th July 2018 stating that there were suspicions about an attempted transaction.

A man had approached the counter and lodged €4,500 to an account belonging to a “Mr Hand”. There was then a demand for a withdrawal of €600. It was stated that the man whose name was on the account owed a debt and had been asked to allow his bank account to be used.

When interviewed, the defendant said he had not benefited from the attempted transaction. It was stated that defendant had 40 previous convictions – nine for road traffic offences, one for a firearm offence, and three for breach of bail terms.

Defending barrister asked Judge Marie Quirke not to jail his client because he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, thus saving the State a lengthy and difficult investigation.

The judge asked the barrister if his client had been the “middle man” in the attempted transaction and he replied that defendant was there simply to “transfer money from A to B.”

His client was to get €300 if the transaction had been successful. The judge imposed a fine of €450 with three months to pay.