Dublin 15 man jailed for part in money laundering scheme

By Eimear Dodd

A man who acted as a “money herder” withdrawing €18,000 from various accounts as part of a money laundering scheme has been jailed for 18 months.

Duke Amaechi (28) pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing the proceeds of crime, through withdrawing money from various bank accounts on dates between June 2020 and May 2021.

Amaechi of Beachfield Green, Castaheany, Clonee, Dublin 15 was handed a three-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions.

Detective Garda Michael Harney told Simon Matthews BL, prosecuting, that Amaechi was a “money herder” and slightly above money mules in the chain.

He also told defence counsel, Cathal McGreal BL, that gardai do not believe Amaechi is a member of an organised crime group.

Amaechi was identified during an investigation into money laundering offences and a smishing fraud.

Det Gda Harney outlined that texts were sent to phone numbers purporting to be from AIB, and when people clicked on a link in the text, they were taken to a bogus website which asked for their log in details.

The court was told that money was transferred into accounts of money mules, it was then withdrawn or could be moved into cryptocurrency.

The investigation identified some of the money mule accounts that were related to an AIB branch in Blanchardstown.

CCTV showed Amaechi making visits to the bank, then making ATM withdrawals and going into the bank to withdraw money using different AIB bank cards. He would also move money from one bank account into another, the court was told.

In total, Amaechi withdrew €18,000 across various dates.

His home was searched in May 2022, while Amaechi was present. Several phones were seized during the search, along with white Gucci flip flops, a blue Nike top and a white BMW associated with him. No money was found in the house.

He was interviewed and nothing of evidential value was obtained.

Det Gda Harney confirmed the investigation spoke to people who had money taken from their bank accounts and from others who acted as money mules.

Amaechi has three previous convictions including one for robbery, which has an offence date of 2019.

Det Gda Harney agreed with Mr McGreal that his client entered an early guilty plea, has no trappings of wealth and is from a good family.

Mr McGreal submitted that his client has remained out of trouble since April 2021, except for a road traffic offence.

A handwritten letter of apology from Amaechi and letters from his family were handed to the court. Counsel said Amaechi’s mother describes him in her letter as having let the family down.

Mr McGreal said his client has been working and leading a law abiding life over the last five years.

He said Amaechi accepts he is a level above a money mule and that he is facing a custodial sentence.

Mr McGreal submitted his client expects to be punished for his offending, then wishes to set up his own business and live a pro-social life which makes his family proud.

Judge Fiona O’Sullivan noted that Amaechi was a “courier” who had a nice car but no other trappings of wealth.

She said his previous convictions are aggravating as well as his position higher up the chain than a mule. She said this was a serious offence as his role was intended to assist and facilitate a criminal enterprise.

The judge said there was “significant” mitigation in the case and imposed a three-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended to encourage rehabilitation.