Accused in Cork money-laundering case denied bail

Over €100,000 allegedly lodged in bank account through an invoice re-direction crime

Gardaí objected to bail being granted at Cork District Court.

 A young person was extradited from Britain to Cork to face a charge of money-laundering in respect of over €100,000 allegedly lodged in their account from an invoice re-direction crime perpetrated against a Spanish company.

This was the allegation made against 35-year-old Sergio Luyinduladio at Cork District Court today where Detective Garda Aonghus Cotter objected to bail being granted to the accused.

One of the grounds for the objection was the seriousness of the allegations in the case and the alleged strength of the evidence.

The charge states that between November 23-26, 2018, at AIB, 26 St Patrick’s St, the defendant did engage in transferring or possessing the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely €102,940, knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

The accused was present in Cork District Court on foot of an extradition warrant that had been contested over several months.

Defence solicitor Killian McCarthy said in the course of the application for bail that Sergio Luyinduladio “identifies now as a female." 

In evidence the defendant testified: “I am transitioning.” 

Judge Treasa Kelly refused bail and remanded the accused in custody for one week.

The judge agreed to an application by Mr McCarthy to ask the prison authorities to provide “all necessary care and medical attention as there would be some concerns.” 

Refusing bail, Judge Kelly said: “The accused has been charged with a serious charge of money-laundering. Det Garda Cotter has a great concern that the defendant is a flight risk and may not attend. There is a large sum of money involved. I am satisfied the accused is a flight risk.”