Courts / Dublin / Report
World's 'largest facilitator of child porn' granted legal aid because funds are "proceeds of crime"
Summary
In a High Court ruling, Eric Eoin Marques, referred to by the FBI as the 'largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' has been granted legal aid to fight his extradition to the United States. The court determined that any funds Marques may possess are likely to be proceeds of crime. Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, faces charges in the U.S. relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square in Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August 2022. The charges relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites, described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Marques had previously failed to obtain legal aid due to unexplained funds, but the court granted him legal aid, citing the need for justice and the potential for hidden proceeds of crime. The matter was adjourned for further consideration, with the case to be re-listed on April 29. If convicted in the U.S., Marques could face a life sentence, with the four charges potentially resulting in a total of 100 years in prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: World's 'largest facilitator of child porn' granted legal aid because funds are "proceeds of crime". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 29 Adjournment
- 2014-03-28 Publication
Why: It seemed, Mr Justice Edwards said, that Marques could not produce corroborating evidence because he didn't pay tax or comply with corporate governance requirements. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: If convicted in America, Marques faces spending the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.; He remanded Marques on continuing custody and thanked counsel for their assistance.
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