Courts / Kildare / Report

Judgement in case of man wanted in US for allegedly defrauding banks expected next month

Date
2014-10-21

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

The High Court will decide on 4 November whether to extradite Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co. Kildare, to the United States to face 51 charges including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Lee denies all allegations and claims the accusations are false. The alleged scheme involved purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, using "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. He is currently remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Lee had bought pre‑paid flight tickets to Ireland in 2006 and that he fears cruel treatment if surrendered. He also cited health concerns and the potential impact on his family if extradited. The judge will issue a decision on 4 November.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judgement in case of man wanted in US for allegedly defrauding banks expected next month. Charges or matters: wire fraud; unlawful monetary transaction; aggravated identity theft. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

November 4 Adjournment
2006 and 2007 Other
2014-10-21 Publication

Why: Counsel further submitted that his surrender should not be granted under Irish legislation because 30 of the alleged offences postdated the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and should be treated as having been committed in Ireland. CNI source report