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Gardai investigating 'smishing' scam met with resistance from Facebook, court hears
Summary
Gardai investigating a €27,000 'smishing scam' encountered resistance from Facebook, according to court proceedings. Mary Maughan (39) of Dun Laoghaire pleaded guilty to processing the proceeds of crime through her Bank of Ireland account in August 2022. The scam involved a text message from An Post, leading the victim to a fake website where her bank details were stolen. The money was transferred to Maughan's account, with €20,000 lost before the bank intervened. Maughan admitted to being approached by a man on Facebook who promised €400 for using her account. She was later forced to make cash withdrawals with two men, though she did not receive any payment. Detective Garda Cliff Singleton noted Facebook's resistance to garda inquiries. Maughan, who was in financial stress, expressed remorse. Judge Martina Baxter emphasized the need for deterrence in such cases and ordered a Probation Service report for community service and restorative justice.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai investigating 'smishing' scam met with resistance from Facebook, court hears. Charges or matters: processing the proceeds of crime through her Bank of Ireland account on dates in August 2022, contrary to the Money Laundering Act. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 24 Other
- 2025-12-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: processing the proceeds of crime through her Bank of Ireland account on dates in August 2022, contrary to the Money Laundering Act (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Remanding Maughan on continuing bail to April 24 next, she ordered a Probation Service report to include assessments for the suitability of community service and restorative justice.
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