Two face Special Criminal Court trial over alleged gangland roles and Finglas arsons

Tom Tuite

Two men charged with directing and enhancing a criminal organisation have been remanded in custody.

Michael Simpson (37), of Rowlagh Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin and Rafal Klubikowski (41), of Higgins Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois, were arrested on Wednesday morning.

They then appeared before Judge Michael Ramsey at Dublin District Court.

Judge Ramsey noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that they face trial in the non-jury Special Criminal Court, which is reserved for organised gang crime and terrorism cases.

It follows an operation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB).

Klubikowski was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation from May 15th, 2024, until February 12th, 2025.

Simpson is accused of enhancing a criminal organisation from June 25th, 2024, until July 7th, 2024.

He is also accused of three counts of arson of two houses in Finglas, one on June 25th and the other on July 5th and again on July 24th, 2024.

Detective Garda Gavin Curran and Detective Garda Dave Moran gave evidence that neither man made a reply when charged in the courthouse holding cells. The judge heard that both defendants are currently in custody for other matters.

Due to the nature of their organised crime-related allegations, under sections 71 and 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, bail can only be considered by the High Court.

Judge Ramsey remanded them in custody pending the preparation of the prosecution's book of evidence to appear again on July 1st.

Simpson said he had a solicitor but was unrepresented at the hearing due to a dispute over legal aid payment reforms, which have led solicitors to withdraw from court cases.

The action has disrupted criminal court proceedings at all levels.

Neither Simpson nor Klubikowski has yet entered a plea.

The GNDOCB operation saw six other people face related charges at Carlow District Court, Tullamore District Court, and Fermoy District Court on Wednesday morning.