Courts / Dublin / Report
"Shoulder surfer" asylum seeker watched people entering PINs as they bought drinks, court hears
Summary
Farid Kantoui, 33, a stateless asylum seeker from Western Sahara, was found guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of seven thefts and one attempted theft between 3 and 17 April 2016, plus possession of a false passport on 24 April 2016. He admitted watching victims enter their PINs while buying drinks at city‑centre bars, a practice known as "shoulder surfing," and then using the stolen cards to withdraw €1,360 from ATMs or attempt a purchase from Argos. Garda evidence included CCTV from the bars and ATMs, and a seized passport that was later confirmed fake. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to three years, suspending the final 18 months, back‑dating the term to his April 2016 arrest. The €425 compensation offered was to be divided pro‑rata between the victims and any financial institutions that suffered losses.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Shoulder surfer" asylum seeker watched people entering PINs as they bought drinks, court hears. Charges or matters: seven counts of theft and one of attempted theft from various banks on dates between April 3rd and 17th, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 3rd Incident
- April 24th, 2016 Incident
- April 2016 Incident
- 2017-03-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: seven counts of theft and one of attempted theft from various banks on dates between April 3rd and 17th, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three year sentence and suspended the final 18 months. She backdated the sentence to when Kantoui went into custody in April 2016.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.