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Eminent US surgeon who fell prey to internet scammers brought €100k in cocaine through Dublin airport
Summary
An eminent US surgeon, Dr Carlos Cruz Soriano, aged 76, was sentenced for bringing €100,000 of cocaine into Dublin Airport after falling victim to a phishing scam. The scam involved a fake inheritance of US$2.3 million from a long‑lost relative. Soriano, isolated and depressed after retirement, was lured to Hong Kong and Colombia, where he received a red bag purportedly containing a gift for Irish banking officials to facilitate the transfer. At Dublin Airport on 1 September 2015, customs found 1.86 kg of cocaine in the bag. He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a five‑year sentence, fully suspended on condition he leaves the country, and adjourned the case for finalisation next week. No prior convictions were recorded. The case highlights the vulnerability of isolated individuals to sophisticated online scams.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Eminent US surgeon who fell prey to internet scammers brought €100k in cocaine through Dublin airport. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine valued at €107,000 inside the red bag in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport on September 1, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 1, 2015 Incident
- 2016-04-29 Publication
Why: They said they were finding it difficult to contact relatives of the man in order to facilitate a $2. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of cocaine valued at €107,000 inside the red bag in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport on September 1, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally indicated that she would impose a five year sentence which she would fully suspend on condition he leave the country.; She adjourned the case until next week for finalisation to allow arrangements be put in place for his return to the United States.
Places mentioned
Topics
Airport Incidents Drugs Stage Sentence
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