Mullingar man admits laundering close to €7k

A Mullingar man has admitted allowing his bank account to launder almost €7,000 from an unwitting victim which was subsequently transferred into cryptocurrency.

Jonathan Cox (21) of 10 Lir Village, Multyfarnham, Mullingar, Westmeath previously appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District Court to face a sole charge of money laundering under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010).

Mr Cox was charged in connection to an incident on June 23, 2023 that led to approximately €6,873.53c being transferred into his own AIB account.

Sgt Orla Keenan said the laundered money was subsequently transferred into cryptocurrency ahead of “further movement” which saw the sum being passed onto another bank.

She said the funds were unlawfully taken from a Bank of Ireland account holder who resided in Galway in a scam that also saw the matter being raised with officials from the mainstream bank.

Sgt Keenan said following his arrest, Mr Cox “fully cooperated” with the garda investigation with the victim being recompensed.

The bank, however, she added, were still at a loss more than two years later.

Louis Kiernan, in defence, addressed the court to say the case had been adjourned at a previous sitting to allow his client to make known his position following the release of all State’s evidence.

Mr Kiernan told Judge Emile Daly directions from the DPP were for summary disposal in the District Court on a guilty plea only.

He said following that confirmation, Mr Cox would be tendering a guilty plea but asked the court to hold off on passing sentence by ordering a probation report.

He said that submission was being made on the basis that his client was a “first time offender” and was just 18 at the time of the offence.

Mr Kiernan said a second reason was due to the compensation money Mr Cox was now faced with gathering together, saying it was apparent the accused needed to put his “best foot forward” in relation to that matter upon the case’s return date.

Judge Daly agreed to sanction a probation report to include a restorative justice element ahead of sentencing on February 5, 2026.