Student laundered €32,270 in Portlaoise

A student admitted being paid €200 to allow €32,270 to pass through her bank account. 

Christina Daramola, 21, of 21 Clonroosk Abbey, Portlaoise admitted money laundering at AIB Lyster Square, Portlaoise on November 5, 2020.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant was “one of these money mules” and had allowed €32,270 transfer through her account. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was a student who attended TU in Dublin and was doing a pharmacy course. He said she had been contacted by a gentleman online who had persuaded her to hand over her details. 

Mr Meagher said his client, who did receive a €200 payment, cooperated fully with Gardaí and has no previous convictions.

“She realises she was completely naive,” he said. 

Judge Nicola Andrews said a conviction for money laundering could derail the defendant’s future career. 

“People like your client are important cogs in a system,” Judge Andrews told Mr Meagher. 

Judge Andrews said she would like to see a charitable donation of €1,500 to the court poor box by September 2. If the woman hasn’t come to the attention of Garda in the meantime, Judge Andrews said she would consider leaving the woman without a conviction. 

“I will explain to her the chance she has been given,” said Mr Meagher. 

The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on September 2.