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Dublin man goes on trial over alleged pyramid scheme

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Eamon Shield, aged 45, faced 15 theft counts and 12 deception counts for allegedly running a pyramid scheme that claimed to double investors' money by selling repossessed cars. Shield, from Lucan, was accused of soliciting €178,000 from 12 people, promising a two‑month profit, but no cars existed and no business was carried out. Prosecutor Shane Costelloe argued that Shield took money from one investor and redistributed it to others, offering a partial repayment of €55,000 while the remaining investors received nothing. Shield pleaded not guilty. The trial, set to continue before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury, was expected to last two weeks. The case highlighted Shield's alleged deception and the absence of any legitimate vehicle sales.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man goes on trial over alleged pyramid scheme. Charges or matters: 15 counts of theft and another 12 counts of making a gain for himself by deception between June 2011 and February 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Trial Theft

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Read the original CNI report