Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man who aided in Brazilian real estate scam
Summary
Martin Roche, 62, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to theft and aiding and abetting money laundering linked to a Brazilian real‑estate scam. In 2012 he became director of a company that promoted a fictitious social housing scheme in Brazil, later struck off in 2014. Roche's bank accounts in Spain were used to launder €271,958, and he admitted stealing €69,000 from investors. Two men invested €183,444.54 and €5,000 plus $6,900, expecting returns that never materialised. Victims received cold calls promising 15% and 30% returns, but the promised development never existed. Roche denied stealing any money from investors but admitted to taking the €69,000. He claimed he was used as a front by another individual and that he had a severe gambling addiction. Judge Martin Nolan described his conduct as "serious criminal behaviour" and imposed the custodial term. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who aided in Brazilian real estate scam. Charges or matters: theft and money laundering on dates between 2012 and 2013; put matters right". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2014 Other
- November 2022 Other
- February 2013 Other
- 2012 and 2013 Other
- 2024-03-19 Publication
Why: Mr Ó Dúnlaing told the court that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity because he "wanted to put matters right". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft and money laundering on dates between 2012 and 2013; put matters right" (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan said Roche's misbehaviour "is too great to avoid a custodial term" before he jailed him for two years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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