Courts / Kildare / Report

High Court surrenders Kildare man wanted for alleged role in defrauding US banks

Date
2015-03-18

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

The High Court ordered the surrender of Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co. Kildare, who is wanted by U.S. authorities on 51 charges including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Lee is alleged to have participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, using forged appraisals and "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. He claims the allegations are false and denies wrongdoing. The judge remanded Lee on continuing bail until a detailed judgment is delivered. Counsel for Lee argued that many of the alleged offences occurred outside the U.S. and should not be subject to extradition under Irish law, and that he would face cruel treatment if surrendered. The case remains pending in the High Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court surrenders Kildare man wanted for alleged role in defrauding US banks. Charges or matters: wire fraud; unlawful monetary transaction; aggravated identity theft. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

2006 and 2007 Other
2015-03-18 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