Waterford man 'herder' in money-laundering scam
Waterford Courthouse.
A young man from Waterford will spend two years in prison for his part in a ‘sophisticated’ money-laundering scheme.
Kieran Sadey (25), of Auburn Close, Earlscourt, Dunmore Road, pleaded guilty to committing an offence contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, whereby he facilitated criminal action between the dates November 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
He also pleaded guilty to committing an offence contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, between March 14 to March 17, 2022.
Sadey was understood to have been "acting under a figure at a higher level" in a laundering scam that involved smishing and phishing methods aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting victims.
Judge O’Kelly asked: “He had full knowledge that this was criminal activity and provided valuable information on how to carry out these transactions?” Defence counsel for the accused confirmed that Sadey made full admissions to Gardaí and that the arrangements were made by "people higher up". He claimed that they made a reference to "kidnapping" if he failed to comply with their orders. Sadey acted as a "herder" in the scheme.
The court heard that Sadey travelled to Poland to set up banking accounts and is understood to have assaulted a police officer while in the country.
In late December 2025, Sadey appeared via video link at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O’Kelly.
The probation report described Sadey as being at "low risk" of re-offending. Sadey was said to have had a "constant work history", which included working at an Apple Green store; while in custody he spent much time in the library and taking Bible study classes.
The court heard that Sadey completed his Leaving Certificate and had attended the Educational Training Board (ETB).
Sadey played for Villa FC in Waterford. Chairperson of Villa FC Paul Morrisey wrote a character reference for Sadey, as did a former Apple Green colleague.
He received a four-year sentence for each offence. The concurrent sentences were reduced by one year in mitigation. Judge O’Kelly suspended the final year and ordered Sadey to be under supervision and keep the peace for that period.
