A money mule who allowed scammers to channel almost €3,000 through his Revolut account during two “smishing” frauds has been directed to the Restorative Justice Programme.
Josh Pope (22), with an address at Priorsgate, Tallaght, Dublin 24 has pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to two counts of engaging in handling the proceeds of criminal conduct.
The offences are contrary to section 7(1)(a)(ii), 7(1)(b) and 7(3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.
Judge Karen Dowling heard the case involved two separate “smishing” scams in April 2023, which resulted in €2,946 being lodged into the accused’s Revolut account.
The court heard that one injured party lost €711, while a second victim lost €2,235 after receiving fraudulent text messages and supplying their bank details. Both sums ultimately ended up in Pope’s account.
The court was told Pope had been offered €200 to allow his account to be used and had shown “sympathy” for the victims in his victim impact statement. He was described as a young man who was 20 at the time, and is currently studying culinary arts at Maynooth.
Defence solicitor Michael Hennessy said Pope had no previous convictions and had cooperated fully with gardai.
Judge Karen Dowling directed Pope to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme and adjourned the matter to 3 April for an updated report, when the matter is expected to be finalised.