Book of evidence date pushed back in Mayo Bitcoin money laundering case

Two Achill residents charged over an alleged Bitcoin money laundering scheme have had the book of evidence in their case pushed back to October 20, after Castlebar District Court heard the file contains a large number of exhibits.

Daniel Cafferkey, Shore Road, Cashel, Achill, faces 11 charges, including five counts of alleged money laundering, following a Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau operation that saw searches carried out at two residential properties on the island in October last year.

The most serious charge relates to an allegation that he transferred and possessed Bitcoin worth €97,214.86 while knowing it to be the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Andrea Escobar, also of Shore Road, Cashel, Achill, faces two counts of money laundering linked to the same investigation. The DPP has directed both be sent forward for trial on indictment.

Court presenter Sergeant Fiona Farrell told Judge Vincent Deane that the cyber bureau had carried out an extensive investigation but would need more time to prepare the book of evidence.

Sergeant Farrell said a hearing date had been set for October 20.

Noting the nature of the book of evidence and the number of exhibits involved, Judge Deane asked if the extension of time was being consented to.

He granted the extension with their consent, continued bail for both defendants, and adjourned the case to October 20 for service of the book of evidence.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.