A money mule who allowed his Revolut account to be used to receive more than €3,300 in crime proceeds has been given a chance to repay the victim and avoid a conviction.
Ethan Callanan (26), of Meadowlands Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, pleaded guilty to a money-laundering offence involving €3,311.49 on April 13, 2023.
Dún Laoghaire District Court heard that an investigation by Garda Eamon Moylan established the money was transferred from the injured party to Callanan’s Revolut account in four separate transactions.
Callanan then provided a third party with access to the account, allowing the money to be withdrawn. None of the funds had been recovered.
The court was told Callanan admitted his involvement and has no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor, Conor McGreevy, said his client had run up a drug debt and became involved through a friend of a friend. He said Callanan made no financial gain from the offence.
Mr McGreevy said the defendant was 22 at the time, had cooperated fully with the investigation and had apologised.
He had worked since leaving school, had undergone drug counselling and held a position of responsibility. A testimonial from his employer was also submitted to the court.
Mr McGreevy said the court should take account of his client’s age at the time, his guilty plea and otherwise clean record. He asked Judge Conor Fottrell to consider dealing with Callanan without a conviction.
The solicitor acknowledged the stress and trouble caused to the woman who lost the money.
Judge Fottrell said he would give Callanan an opportunity to repay the injured party before finalising the case.
Taking account of his lack of previous convictions and guilty plea, the judge adjourned the matter until December 14 for repayment of €3,311.
Judge Fottrell indicated that he would consider leaving Callanan without a conviction if the money was repaid. Otherwise, he would impose a conviction and a €400 fine, with six months to pay.