Man admits money laundering

A man who developed a drug habit during the Covid lockdown admitted money laundering €10,000. 

Adam Gornik, 47, of 3 Garden Village, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise admitted laundering €10,000 at Permanent TSB, O’Connor Square, Tullamore, Offaly on  January 27, 2021. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant accepted a lodgement into his Permanent TSB account before transferring it into Polish accounts in two transactions. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant admitted to money laundering when quizzed by gardai. He said the man has a previous Section 15 conviction for sale and supply of drugs and was serving a sentence. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had been well regarded in the joinery business and was a manager at a plant in Birr, Co Offaly. 

He said the plant closed due to Covid and the defendant found himself falling back into an old drug habit he had shaken years before.  The habit grew and the man had to “carry out acts” such as storing drugs for a gang.

“He was asked to facilitate with a bank account which he foolishly agreed to do,” he said.  

“This particular prosecution is linked intrinsically with the Section 15,” said Mr Meagher. 

“He basically felt frightened for his wife and family,” Mr Meagher said. 

He produced letters from the man’s employer and from his wife. He said the man was particularly ashamed of what had happened. 

“When he does serve his time he will fall back into that employment,” he told Judge Andrew Cody.

Judge Cody imposed a four month sentence which he suspended for three years.