In relation to taking up bail, Detective Garda Karen Fitzsimmons said there would be objections due to the serious nature of the charge and “the accused has no ties to the jurisdiction”
Dublin Airport
A Swedish national based in Cyprus has been sent forward for trial on a money-laundering charge after he allegedly attempted to leave Dublin Airport with €263,860 in cash just hours after flying into the State.
Steven Olofsson, who turned 60 on the day of his most recent court appearance on Thursday, February 19, is accused of handling or possessing property alleged to be the proceeds of criminal conduct – namely €263,860 in cash – while being reckless as to whether the money derived from criminal activity.
The single charge relates to January 11, 2023, at Terminal 1 of the airport and is brought under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.
Olofsson first appeared before Dublin District Court on Wednesday, February 18, following his surrender on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.
Cloverhill District Court heard that he had been held on remand in Prague for 56 days before being transferred to Ireland.
The court heard that following his appearance at Dublin District Court on Wednesday evening, Olofsson was granted bail subject to certain conditions.
However, the prosecuting garda was not satisfied with the address he provided and the independent surety to provide a cash lodgement is not from the jurisdiction.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Thursday morning where the Book of Evidence was served upon Olofsson’s solicitor Martin O’Donnell.
The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions consents that the accused be sent forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the sole count of money-laundering.
Judge John Brennan gave the accused, who appeared before the court via videolink, the alibi warning cautioning Olofsson if he intends to use an alibi in his defence he must notify the prosecution within 14 days.
A Section 56 order to include videos of the interviews gardai conducted with the accused was also granted.
Legal aid was granted to solicitor Martin O’Donnell to include two counsel. The judge sent the accused forward for trial to the next sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on March 5.
In relation to taking up bail, Detective Garda Karen Fitzsimmons said there would be objections due to the serious nature of the charge and “the accused has no ties to the jurisdiction.”
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“He flew into Dublin Airport on the morning of January 11, 2023 and attempted to leave on the same day with the cash,” Det Gda Fitzsimmons told Judge Brennan.
Det Gda Fitzsimmons said during the previous bail application an address he gave was “not sufficient.”
“He handed in his passport but you don’t need a passport to leave this country,” said Det Gda Fitzsimmons.
“If he got bail I believe he would be a flight risk,” she added.
Det Gda Fitzsimmons said checks are being carried out on Olofsson’s partner and brother as sureties, who both live outside the jurisdiction and an address that satisfies gardai needs to be provided if bail is to be granted.
Judge Brennan said he is satisfied he can grant bail of €7,000 in cash in lieu of a surety “once the source of the money is identified and gardai are satisfied” and that an address is verified.
The judge remanded the accused in custody, with consent to bail.
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