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Facebook 'did not assist' gardai investigating €27k smishing scam, court hears

Summary

A woman who participated in a €27,500 smishing scam after being contacted on Facebook has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to take part in restorative justice. When gardai asked Facebook to assist in the investigation, they were met with resistance. Mary Maughan pleaded guilty to processing the proceeds of crime through her bank account. The victim was scammed after clicking a link in a text message that appeared to be from An Post. The money was transferred into Maughan's account, and she was asked to make cash withdrawals with two men. She felt intimidated but did not face any threats. Facebook was said to have not assisted gardai in their inquiries. The judge noted the need for deterrence in such cases and sentenced Maughan to 12 months, suspended on conditions, taking into account her cooperation with gardai and genuine remorse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Facebook 'did not assist' gardai investigating €27k smishing scam, court hears. Charges or matters: processing the proceeds of crime through her Bank of Ireland account in August 2022, contrary to the Money Laundering Act. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-04-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report