CASH CHARGES | 

Man accused of laundering over €4,000 in cash sent for trial

The offences allegedly took place at Permanent TSB, Liffey Valley, in Lucan, on dates in August 2020 and it is alleged that Mr Okonye laundered money amounting to €4,400

Today at 07:30

A young man accused of laundering more than €4,000 in cash through a bank account has been sent forward for trial.

Blair Okonye (22) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before a hearing at Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, of Castlegate Chase in Adamstown, is charged with four counts of converting, handling, acquiring or transferring money which he believed or was reckless in his belief that it was the proceeds of crime.

The offences allegedly took place at Permanent TSB, Liffey Valley, in Lucan, on dates in August 2020 and it is alleged that Mr Okonye laundered money amounting to €4,400.

He is facing trial in the circuit court, which has greater sentencing powers, after the allegations were ruled to be too serious for the district courtA state solicitor told Blanchardstown District Court that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Okonye the formal alibi caution.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Kevin Tunney and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Judge McHugh remanded Mr Okonye on bail to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a date next month.

Mr Okonye has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.

Judge McHugh further ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardaí conducted with the accused be provided to his solicitor.