Footballer accused of having €19,000 in crime proceeds is sent for trial
A part-time footballer allegedly caught with €19,000 in crime proceeds has been sent forward for trial.
Rasaq Alamu (24) told detectives he believed he was trading, and he had bought cryptocurrency with the cash.
He was served with the book of evidence when he appeared before Swords District Court.
The accused, of Lambay View in Rush, is charged with transferring, possessing or acquiring €19,999 while knowing or being reckless the property was the proceeds of crime.
The money was allegedly lodged into a Bank of Ireland account between June 23 and June 24, 2021.
The DPP had directed summary disposal on a guilty plea only, but a judge refused jurisdiction to deal with the case in the district court. State solicitor Fergal Mawe said the book of evidence had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The court had heard Mr Alamu worked in property services and played lower-division football in the UK.
Garda Sergeant Janice Gray previously alleged the injured party reported they had been the victim of a smishing scam. Sgt Gray alleged the money was transferred into an account in the accused’s name.
Mr Alamu has not yet indicated a plea to the charge.