Steadfast Akhigne given fully suspended sentence for money laundering

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Steadfast Akhigne was given a fully suspended 12-month sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two money-laundering charges. She pleaded guilty, with the Director of Public Prosecutions accepting the pleas on the basis of recklessness. The proceedings were reported on 26 January 2026. The charges related to dates in December 2019, when Akhigne provided her bank card and PIN to a man and just under €100,000 was later lodged in her account.

The report said Akhigne was 18 at the time and had received no payment. It was acknowledged that she was not involved in either fraud, had no previous convictions and was respectful and co-operative with the Garda investigation. Judge Orla Crowe said Akhigne was under the influence of the other man but had played an active role by accompanying him while he bought phones and being present during withdrawals. Judge Crowe imposed the sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions.