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'Important actor' in organised crime money laundering gets 7.5 years

Summary

Brandon Abrahams (33) of Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for participating in a criminal organisation and committing nine related offences, including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a false instrument. Abrahams admitted guilt to these charges, which occurred between 2022 and 2024. He was found to have benefited from an An Post smishing scam, in which €500,000 was stolen from about 30 accounts to benefit about 50 criminals. During a Garda raid in 2024, a laptop containing extensive personal debit card information was discovered. Abrahams was also involved in creating sophisticated fake documents, including UK driving licences and utility bills, which were used to set up accounts in financial institutions and sold to other fraudsters. A total of €147,230 passed through his accounts during the relevant period. Abrahams has 55 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, theft, deception, drugs, and criminal damage. His co-accused, Kim Porter (31) of Casement Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to 10 related offences, including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine, and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Evidence in her case was heard earlier this week and was adjourned to July for finalisation. Judge Martina Baxter noted concerns about Abrahams' assertions regarding his relationship with Porter and his claims of suffering from PTSD, gambling, and drug addiction, which she found lacking in evidence. She also highlighted his lack of honesty and high risk of re-offending. Abrahams' sentence was backdated to September 2024, with no portion suspended.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Important actor' in organised crime money laundering gets 7.5 years. Charges or matters: one count of participating or contributing to the activity of a criminal organisation contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006; a further nine offences including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime and possessing a false instrument; 10 related offences involving money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022 and 2024 Incident
• 2026-03-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Fraud Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report