Bail denied for ATM fraud accused

A man accused of being part of a criminal gang that put a skimming device and concealed camera on an ATM has been refused bail.

Gardaí claim the man, Romanian national Cristian Cozar, had targeted a cash machine at Carrigaline, Co Cork.

However, Mr Cozar said he had just travelled down from Dublin to go fishing

At Cork District Court yesterday, gardaí objected to bail.

Garda Declan Healy arrested Mr Cozar, of 30 Ravensdale Crescent, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on Sunday.

The charge states that, on July 27, at Ulster Bank, Carrigaline, Co Cork, Mr Cozar had in his possession a skimming device and hidden camera designed for obtaining bank card details with the intention of it being used in the course of theft.

Garda Healy said: “I believe he would commit further offences if granted bail. I believe he is a member of an organised crime gang travelling the country.”

Solicitor Frank Buttimer objected, saying Mr Cozar was charged with one offence, which would be denied, and that the view given by the garda was based on hearsay.

Garda Healy said: “It is my belief he was involved in placing a skimming device at the Ulster Bank in Carrigaline.

“I believe, if he is granted bail, he will flee the jurisdiction. I am not satisfied about his identity.”

Detective Garda Ian Breen said the identification documents furnished by the accused were being checked out, as was his address.

Mr Cozar, aged 29, said he had been living in Ireland for the past year and was working with a construction company in Dun Laoghaire.

He said there was an innocent explanation why he was in Carrigaline — to go fishing.

Inspector Bill Duane challenged Mr Cozar’s evidence about being in employment: “This is only a sham for the purpose of looking for bail.”

Judge Leo Malone said at the end of the application: “I am not satisfied at the moment, I am not prepared to grant bail. I don’t believe he would turn up for his trial.”

Cozar was remanded in custody until tomorrow.