Limerick man extradited from Spain on money-laundering charges

Gerard Mackin is charged with laundering €4,780, allegedly the proceeds of criminal behaviour.

Dublin Airport. File Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A man has appeared before a late sitting of the Special Criminal Court this evening after he was extradited from Spain to face a charge of money laundering in Limerick three years ago.

Gerard Mackin (aged 40) of Rhebogue Road, Limerick, is charged with laundering €4,780, allegedly the proceeds of criminal behaviour, at the same address on April 17, 2019, contrary to Section 7 of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010.

Detective Garda Stephen Ahern told the court that he arrested Mr Mackin, whose last address is listed in Alicante in Spain, at Dublin Airport at 2.47pm today in relation to a European Arrest Warrant issued on April 7 of this year.

An application for a certificate to try Mr Mackin at the non-jury court was granted by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath to the DPP.

Alison Fynes BL, for Mr Mackin, said she would not be making any application at this time, save that the accused be remanded in Portlaoise Prison and be granted free legal aid.

Ms Fynes said her client would be seeking the earliest possible date available to the court.

Det Gda Ahern identified the defendant to the court and said he handed the original charge to Mr Mackin in the precincts of the courts today.

Mr Justice MacGrath remanded Mr Mackin in custody to January 23, when his case is listed for mention.

Mr Mackin spoke only to say "yes" in identifying himself to the registrar when she read out the single charge.