Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused said she wasn't part of investment firm's 'inner circle', trial hears

Date
2023-02-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Ciara Kelleher, 51, of Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud investors in Custom House Capital Ltd. She told Gardaí that she was not part of the company's "inner circle" and had no role in buying shares or in any alleged conspiracy. Kelleher's duties were to support John Whyte, head of private clients, by checking valuation reports and sending them to clients. She said she had no knowledge of wrongdoing and that she had never suspected any criminal activity. Kelleher also described an incident in which Harry Cassidy, then CEO, shouted at her over a client funds transfer request. The trial, heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, continues before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury. The case involves alleged offences committed between October 2008 and July 2011.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused said she wasn't part of investment firm's 'inner circle', trial hears. Charges or matters: one count of conspiring with others to defraud investors in and clients and customers of Custom House Capital (CHC) Ltd by intentionally misleading them as to where or how their assets had been placed in the investment firm. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 2008 Incident
July 2011 Incident
January 29, 2020 Incident
March 29, 2016 Incident
2023-02-08 Publication

Case subjects

Ciara Kelleher

Defendant

Charges: one count of conspiring with others to defraud investors in and clients and customers of Custom House Capital (CHC) Ltd by intentionally misleading them as to where or how their assets had been placed in the investment firm (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty