Tinder match put stolen €10k in Malawian woman's account

A 23-year-old Malawian national with an address in Charlestown, Dublin, received a fully suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after her bank account was used to receive €10,000 in stolen funds. The woman pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct on September 18, 2018. The court heard that she had met an individual on a dating application who convinced her he would assist with her school fees. When €10,000 was deposited into her account following a compromised email exchange between two companies, she reported the matter after discovering the account was frozen. Gardaí confirmed there was no evidence she had knowingly facilitated the offence or offered her account for such purposes. The judge found the case involved negligence rather than criminal intent, noting the accused as a diligent individual working in healthcare. She imposed an 18-month sentence, fully suspended, and ordered €500 compensation be paid to the injured party.