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'Bordering on ridiculous' - money mule warned to reimburse elderly victim of smishing scam
Summary
Obaseki Gerald, 23, of Mulhuddart, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to transferring, handling, or using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that in September 2023, an elderly woman was defrauded of €4,212 in a smishing scam where she was tricked into believing she was paying her daughter. Gerald allowed his Revolut account to be used to receive €3,212, which was converted to cryptocurrency and withdrawn within minutes. A co-accused, who was 16 at the time, received a juvenile caution for the remaining €1,000. Defence counsel Jennifer Jackson BL stated Gerald has limited income and only €500 available, requesting three months to save for reimbursement. Judge Jonathan Dunphy criticized the lack of funds, describing the situation as "bordering on ridiculous" and warning that failure to reimburse could result in custody. The judge was not satisfied with a partial reimbursement and remanded Gerald on bail to allow him to work and save. The matter was adjourned to a date in May, with the judge stating he would finalise the sentence then, contingent on Gerald bringing the full amount to court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Bordering on ridiculous' - money mule warned to reimburse elderly victim of smishing scam. Charges or matters: transferring, handling or using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-04-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: transferring, handling or using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Adjourning the case to a date in May, the judge said it was "up to himself what he brings to court" and that he would finalise sentence then.
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