Judge in Waterford says she is 'getting blue in the face' with money laundering scams
Waterford Courthouse
A judge at Waterford District Court has said she is “getting blue in the face” with money laundering scams.
Sarah Obasogie (23), of 131 Meadowbrook, Willow Park, Athlone, Westmeath, was charged with money laundering on February 9, 2021, at a location in the State at a sitting of Waterford District Court before Judge Miriam Walsh.
Sergeant Michael Hickey told the court that at the time of the offence, the Pandemic Unemployment Payments were being made, and there was an increase in phishing scams.
IBANs of those in receipt of the €350 weekly payment were often obtained by scammers, and funds were redistributed to Revolut accounts.
In the case of the defendant, it is alleged that around €3,000 was fraudulently moved through her Revolut account.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty explained to Judge Walsh that these scams involve a “mastermind” who uses “for want of a better word, an innocent”.
In this case, his client was the “innocent” who provided her details for the promise of money, but “it only leads the gardaí to the door”.
But that €3,000 was not a lot of money, to which Judge Walsh replied, “it depends on who you are”.
She also told Mr Delahunty that she knows how the scam works and that there are many such cases in the court system.
“I’m getting blue in the face with them,” said Judge Walsh.
Judge Walsh accepted jurisdiction.
Sgt Hickey said that the case was part of a national investigation and a very complicated file, so additional time was required to provide disclosure to the defense.
Judge Walsh put the matter back to January 20, 2026.
