Two men who plotted to commit money laundering over a €183,000 PUP scam were in contact with an international criminal known as “The Chairman", a court has heard.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court was told on Monday that Oluwagbewikeke Lewis, 36, and Bashiru Aderibige, 45, were caught in part because they tested the fraud by using details of state employees not entitled to the benefit.
At Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Det Garda Eimhear Keeshan said the offences came to light when officers stopped Lewis in his car in Midleton, Co Cork, last November.
Two Permanent TSB bank statements in other names and a passport with his photo but a different name were found.
Judge Helen Boyle heard while both men admitted conspiracy to commit money laundering, Lewis also pleaded guilty to six counts of using a false instrument and one of having a stolen passport.
Det Garda Keeshan said €34,458 of in excess of €183,000 has been recovered. That money has been frozen.
Aderibige, of Ballincollig, Co Cork, was captured on CCTV withdrawing money from bank accounts totalling €11,270 and arrived in court with €6,000 in compensation.
Lewis plans to hand over €5,000 in compensation. Det Gda Keeshan said analysis of their phones showed texts were sent between the pair mentioning “Chairman” and “Ebony.”
They suspect “Chairman” heads an international crime organisation.
Both men were remanded in custody.
