Trainee accountant caught up in money laundering scheme

A 21-year-old trainee accountant was described as “a bit naive” to become involved in a money laundering scheme.

Oluwadamipe Makinde of Millbrook Estate, Johnstown, Navan was 19 at the time and doing a college course when he was part of a phishing fraud, Trim District Court heard on Tuesday last. A sum of €1,200 was removed from the injured party‘s account into a post office account of the defendant. Subsequently it was transferred outside the jurisdiction. An Post reimbursed the injured party. The defendant was charged with the offence on 19th May 2023.

Defence solicitor Mr Leech said the defendant had a clear record and had €500 with him. He only started work in August and had a good job.

Judge McKiernan adjourned the case to 22nd September for the defendant to pay back the money.