Courts / Dublin / Report
'Vulnerable' student became money mule after threats
Summary
John Balidoy, a 22‑year‑old art student, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering in the State, with other counts considered. The offence took place between March and May 2021. Balidoy had no prior convictions. He was persuaded by a colleague to transfer money to the colleague's accounts after the colleague threatened him and his family. The money was used to defraud two women, stealing €18,000 and €14,000, and to obtain fraudulent Covid‑PUP payments in fake names. About €27,000 remains unaccounted for. Balidoy's accounts were controlled by others, and he was threatened. He received an 18‑month suspended sentence, with conditions, after the court accepted that he had no financial benefit, was psychologically vulnerable and had been threatened. The court noted that he had no custodial sentence because of his promising future and supportive family. The victims were fully reimbursed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Vulnerable' student became money mule after threats. Charges or matters: one count of money laundering within the State, with other counts taken into consideration. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2021 Incident
- 2022-11-29 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of money laundering within the State, with other counts taken into consideration (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A "vulnerable" art student who acted as a money mule and allowed his bank accounts to be controlled by criminals after he was threatened has been given a suspended sentence. Judge Pauline Codd handed down a suspended 18 month sentence today after she accepted that Balidoy did not receive any financial benefit for his role, that he was psychologically "vulnerable" and had been threatened.
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