Courts / Dublin / Report

Community service for 21-year-old who took part in 'smishing' scam

Date
2022-02-21
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Dylan Culloty, 21, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two‑year prison term for his role in a €40,000 smishing scam. Culloty allowed his account to be used to launder the money and withdrew cash from post offices, purchasing foreign currency. He pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering for transactions between 14 and 19 August 2019. The court noted that the scam involved text messages that appeared to be from a bank, directing victims to a website where they entered banking details, enabling the scammers to access accounts. A total of €43,800 was taken from two bank accounts and transferred to Culloty's account; he withdrew the money at An Post offices. The Bank of Ireland refunded the victims in full, but the money was never recovered. Culloty had no prior convictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Community service for 21-year-old who took part in 'smishing' scam. Charges or matters: two counts of money laundering at locations within the state on occasions between August 14, 2019 and August 19, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: In his sentencing remarks in November 2021, Judge Nolan said Culloty was "vital to this criminal enterprise" because he was the "conduit" for the money to go to criminal third-parties. CNI source report

Case subjects

Dylan Culloty

Defendant

Charges: two counts of money laundering at locations within the state on occasions between August 14, 2019 and August 19, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: At a previous sentencing date, Judge Martin Nolan said he intended to order that Culloty complete community service, before adjourning the case to allow the Probation Service to determine whether or not Culloty was suitable. Passing sentence today after hearing that the accused had been deemed suitable, Judge Nolan ordered that Culloty complete 200 hours of community service in lieu of two years imprisonment.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
  • Castle Grange Drive

Topics

Fraud Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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