Courts / Cork / Report

Court of Appeal refuses bail for alleged members of Lithuanian crime group

Date
2026-02-26

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

The Court of Appeal has refused bail to four accused individuals linked to an alleged Lithuanian organised crime group, rejecting their appeals against a High Court decision. Jonas Pavillions, Alexandres Kuznecovas, and Stacey Walsh are charged under section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, with committing serious offences for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ausra Motriuk faces charges of money laundering under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and participating in an organised crime group under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. Pavillions is additionally charged with drug possession, supply, and two counts under section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act regarding two billhooks and a machete. Kuznecovas is also charged with drug possession and supply. Counsel argued that the appellants were not flight risks, noting Motriuk's passport is with the Gardaí and Pavillions offered a Carlow address. The State contended that the alleged offences carry penalties of up to 15 years and that the group's access to false documents posed a risk. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the Court of Appeal found no error in the High Court's refusal of bail. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, and the four accused remain remanded in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court of Appeal refuses bail for alleged members of Lithuanian crime group. Charges or matters: money laundering contrary to section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and also of participating in, or facilitating an organised crime group contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006; drug possession and having drugs for sale or supply, as well as two counts contrary to section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, relating to two billhooks and a machete. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

November 2023 Incident
2026-02-26 Publication

Why: Mr White said she had been refused bail because of her ties abroad, but counsel submitted that there must be evidence of her being a flight risk for bail to be refused. CNI source report

Case subjects

Alexandres Kuznecovas

Accused

Charges: money laundering contrary to section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and also of participating in, or facilitating an organised crime group contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006; drug possession and having drugs for sale or supply, as well as two counts contrary to section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, relating to two billhooks and a machete (Alleged Or Contested)

Ausra Motriuk

Accused

Jonas Pavillions

Accused

Money Laundering

Applicant

Charges: drug possession and having drugs for sale or supply, as well as two counts contrary to section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, relating to two billhooks and a machete (Alleged Or Contested)