A young apprentice who allowed his An Post account to be used in a €38,000 scam has been given 12 months to repay the victim €5,000 before a final court decision is made.
Cian Kavanagh (22), of Neilstown Gardens, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a money laundering offence under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act, relating to transactions that took place on July 22, 2023.
While the overall fraud involved €38,000 in stolen funds, the court heard that the injured party remains out of pocket by €5,000 – the portion for which Kavanagh is being held accountable.
Judge Peter White was told the accused became involved in an attempt to clear a drug debt owed by another person. The court heard threats were made against his family and Kavanagh “took hold of the situation” by allowing his account to be used to transfer the stolen money.
The court heard that the victim had been tricked into clicking a fraudulent SMS link and €5,000 remains outstanding.
Gardaí searched the accused’s home under warrant, and Kavanagh admitted his role in the offence.
His solicitor said his client was taking full responsibility and is willing to repay the outstanding amount.
He told the court that Kavanagh is currently working as an apprentice electrician earning around €300 per week and lives with his grandfather.
Judge White accepted jurisdiction and acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but said it was “sensible not to finalise the matter today”.
The case was adjourned for 12 months to allow Kavanagh time to repay the money. He is due back in court on April 13, 2026, with bail set on his own bond of €100.