Trial for footballer accused of having €19,000 in crime earnings
A part-time footballer accused of money laundering after over €19,000 was lodged in his bank account is facing trial on the charge.
Rasaq Alamu (24) told detectives he believed he was trading, and he had bought cryptocurrency with the cash.
He is facing trial in the circuit court after a judge ruled the allegation was too serious for the district court.
The accused, of Lambay View, Skerries Road, Rush, appeared before Balbriggan District Court charged with transferring, possessing or acquiring €19,999 while knowing or being reckless that the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
The money was allegedly lodged into a Bank of Ireland account in his name between June 23 and June 24, 2021.
Sergeant Janice Gray said the DPP had directed summary disposal in the district court on a guilty plea only.
Judge Shalom Binchy said she was refusing jurisdiction, and she adjourned the case for a book of evidence.
A defence solicitor applied for legal aid, saying Mr Alamu worked in property services, and was also playing football for a lower-division team in the UK.
Mr Alamu has not yet indicated a plea to the charge.