Men whose Revolut accounts were used to 'wash money' avoid conviction at Waterford court
The two men provided their Revolut accounts which were used to transfer money from the victims accounts. Stock Image.
Two young men who sold their Revolut accounts have avoided a conviction for money laundering at Waterford District Court.
Cabdinaasir Maxamed (21) of Ard Daire, Ferrybank pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering on July 5, 2023, at a sitting of Waterford District Court before Judge John Cheatle.
In a separate incident, 23-year-old Raveli Kilonda of Magenta Mews, Grange Manor pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, also on July 5, 2023.
In the case of Mr Maxamed, Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on the date of the incident, two injured parties came forward and reported money taken from their bank accounts.
The first IP had €999 taken while the second €896.
An investigation found that the funds had been transferred to the account of Mr Maxamed.
When Mr Maxamed was arrested, he told gardaí that he had given the details of the account to an unknown individual.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said these cases are becoming increasingly common in the court system.
He said it is “notoriously complicated” to prosecute those behind these scams, and it is very easy to identify the people whose Revolut accounts are used to transfer the money.
He said his client was not the person behind the scam, but in his “gross naivety”, provided his details to the unknown individual behind the scam.
Mr Cunningham told the court that when his client was interviewed, he told the gardaí that he did not know what would happen when he provided the details, but he hoped the victims were okay.
He said, when asked what he received in return, that he said nothing.
The victims were compensated, the court heard. Judge Cheatle ordered the defendant to pay €300 to the court poor box.
If he does so by September, the matter will be struck out.
In the case of Mr Kilonda, Sgt Phelan told the court that €3,122 was taken from an individual’s bank account and transferred to the defendant’s account.
The injured party in this case was also reimbursed, but the bank is at a loss.
The defendant had no previous convictions.
Mr Cunningham also represented Mr Kilonda and said that, although an entirely separate incident, the circumstances were the same.
He told the court that this client also provided his account details to an unknown individual who used his account to “wash money.”
The defendant was easily identified as he provided photographic ID, his PPS number and a utility bill.
Mr Cunningham said he was a full-time student at the time.
When he was arrested, he told gardaí that the “nefarious individuals” behind the scam had promised him “something,” but never provided it.
He never used the Revolut account and told gardaí he didn’t know where the money had come from and he never withdrew it.
Mr Cunningham said his client is continuing his studies and is also a coach with a local football team, which has provided him with a reference.
Judge Cheatle ordered the defendant to pay €300 to the court poor box.
If he does so by October, the matter will be struck out.
