Courts / Ireland / Report

MV Matthew accused fail in bid to have charges dismissed ahead of trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has refused an application by six men to dismiss charges related to the seizure of 2.25 tonnes of cocaine from the MV Matthew, the largest such seizure in Irish history. The defendants, including Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk and Vitaliy Vlasoi, Iranians Soheil Jelveh and Saeid Hassani, Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, and Filipino Harold Estoesta, are charged with drug trafficking offences at sea. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally, delivered its judgment under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, which prohibits reporting of the evidence and arguments. Following the decision, Ms Justice Greally adjourned the matter until tomorrow to allow time for the defence to assimilate the ruling. Separately, Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply, with a market value of at least €13,000. He also faces a charge of participating in a criminal organisation, though his status regarding this specific allegation remains contested. UK national Jamie Harbron previously pleaded guilty to an offence arising from the seizure and is scheduled to appear for sentencing later this year. The source text does not specify sentences or finalisations for Lapa or Harbron, nor does it detail the outcome for the six men beyond the refusal of their dismissal application and the subsequent adjournment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: MV Matthew accused fail in bid to have charges dismissed ahead of trial. Charges or matters: an offence arising from the seizure. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 13 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 21 Incident
• July 15 Incident
• September 23 2023 Incident
• September 25, 2023 Incident
• 2017 to 2023 Incident
• 2025-02-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report