Latest news with #ProceedsofCrimeAct
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Swedish firm and owner secure fresh hearing in €560,000 CAB case
The decision means that the High Court will have to reconsider if there is sufficient new evidence to show that the frozen money, which is linked to an alleged email scam in 2002, was not the proceeds of crime. The ruling will have important implications for the CAB when it attempts to freeze and dispose of assets in the possession of criminals such as drug dealers and fraudsters. It will have to take into account the right of a person or entity to cross-examine an authorised officer – such as a senior Garda or member of the Revenue Commissioners – when they are seeking an order from the High Court for an indefinite freezing order over assets. The ruling clarifies that where CAB is seeking an order to dispose of assets, no right of cross-examination exists. However, the Supreme Court noted that the bureau can seek leave to cross-examine persons swearing affidavits on behalf of a respondent, and that a respondent can seek leave to cross-examine CAB agents swearing an affidavit that is being relied on for the purposes of seeking a disposal order. Mr Zeman and his company, Routeback Media, had argued that the High Court erred in 2022 by excluding fresh evidence when an application was made to dispose of money that had previously been found to be the proceeds of crime. He and his firm argued that they had not been afforded fair proceedings, for example by being refused permission to conduct a cross-examination of deponents from CAB. Mr Zeman and Routeback Media had previously and unsuccessfully appealed this point to the Court of Appeal, which had upheld a 2022 High Court decision. They then took their case to the Supreme Court, which has now ruled on the interaction and operation of the Proceeds of Crime Act, which sets out the CAB's functions. The Supreme Court has determined that since the Court of Appeal had agreed that there was genuinely fresh evidence to be presented by Routeback Media and Mr Zeman in the case, the High Court must now hold a limited hearing. This will be confined to the new material. Proceedings were first initiated against Routeback Media and Mr Zeman in 2009. This related to just over $651,000 held in a Bank of Ireland account in the name of EuroConex Technologies. CAB claimed the money was the proceeds of crime, and that Routeback Media had been engaged in a fraudulent scheme involving the online sale of email accounts for $9.95 each. EuroConex, which was processing credit card payments, was concerned that the money might be the proceeds of crime and had reported its concerns to Swedish police in 2003. Authorities there concluded their investigation in 2006. Still concerned, EuroConex reported its suspicions to the Gardai and Revenue Commissioners in 2007. Mr Zeman denied Routeback's business was fraudulent or that the funds standing to its credit constituted the proceeds of crime.
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales preschool builds play area using crime proceeds
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) visited Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni to see how the preschool had developed the space using Your Community, Your Choice funding. The funding was awarded after the site was damaged by antisocial behaviour. Mr Dunbobbin said: "It was wonderful to visit Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni and see their determination to rebuild after being victims of crime. "This project demonstrates how we can turn the proceeds of criminal activity into positive outcomes for our youngest community members." Your Community, Your Choice is a grant scheme supported by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). It allows the public to vote on projects and is funded partly through money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the PCC. Over the past 12 years, the scheme has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 community projects. Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni used the funding to rebuild its outdoor area after relocating to a new site and being targeted by youths who damaged a shed, bikes, scooters, and other equipment. Saran Japheth, cylch leader at Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni, said: "This funding means everything to us after what happened. "The criminal damage left us feeling distraught and the children had to go without the outdoor resources they need. "Thanks to Your Community, Your Choice, we can now rebuild and create an even better outdoor learning environment that will benefit all our children for years to come." READ MORE: Neil Foden: Chair of governors found 'serious issues' at Bangor school The preschool, which serves children aged two to four and runs an after-school club for those up to 11, has used the funding to purchase a new playhouse, mud kitchen, water play equipment, and replacement bikes and scooters. Ashley Rogers, PACT chairman, said: "Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni's resilience in the face of criminal damage is inspiring. "Using funds seized from criminal activity to help them rebuild their outdoor area for children shows exactly why Your Community, Your Choice is so important to our communities." During his visit, Mr Dunbobbin toured the facilities, met with staff, and heard about the group's efforts to create the outdoor space.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly cocaine dealer jailed after police raid on home
Prosecutor Amelia Pike told Newport Crown Court that police raided Kimberley Davies' home in Rhymney on March 26 last year. Officers seized her phone, which contained a number of drug-related messages from an 11-month period, including Davies labelling herself as 'active' when she had drugs to sell, and messages where she supplied her bank details to customers. Analysis of Davies' bank account showed £69,349.44 in third party payments had been made between August 2022 and August 2024. She was arrested on January 31 this year and gave a no comment interview. However she later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property – relating to the cash from the bank transfers. Kimberley Davies admitted her involvement in selling cocaine. (Image: Gwent Police) The court heard that Davies, 35, of Brynhyfryd, had four previous convictions for nine offences, although none of these were drug-related. Alice Sykes, mitigating, said Davies 'struggled to cope' after she lost two family members and her relationship broke down. 'She began smoking crack cocaine at a faster rate than she could afford to and began selling to pay off her debt,' she said. 'She plans to use her time in custody constructively. 'Part of that will be to address her addiction to drugs.' Judge Carl Harrison said Davies' offending was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified. He sentenced Davies to three years and four months imprisonment. Ms Pike confirmed Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings would be sought against Davies in an attempt to recover any profits she made from her offending.
South Wales Guardian
12-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Cross Hands man earned £218k from illegal dog breeding
Michael Watts, of Pontardulais Road, Cross Hands, was prosecuted following an investigation by Carmarthenshire County Council. He admitted to operating an unlicensed business breeding and selling Dobermanns between December 2019 and July 2023. He was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025. The council found that Watts bred and sold at least 87 Dobermann puppies, earning an estimated £218,000 in profit. A spokesperson for Carmarthenshire County Council said: "This case highlights the council's commitment to protecting animal welfare and ensuring that dog breeding is carried out responsibly and legally. "Those who choose to operate outside the law put animals and the public at risk, and we will continue to take strong action against such practices." Despite being advised of licensing requirements in 2017, Watts only earned a licence in July 2023 after the investigation began. Puppies were advertised on Pets4Homes and Freeads, and the operation was found to be commercial rather than casual. Watts received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £196,827.63 under a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation order, £470 in investigation costs, and a £16 victim surcharge. The confiscation order, originally issued in May, remains in place after a request to reopen it was denied. A portion of the recovered funds will be returned to the council to cover investigation costs.
Belfast Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Drug dealers sentenced after police pull over Range Rover and find £12k of cash in vacuum-sealed bag
The men appeared in Dungannon Crown Court on Wednesday, 9 July, after both were convicted of drug supply charges. Frederick (Derek) McCordick is facing two years imprisonment and Calvin Holden was sentenced to a three-year probation order. During the search of the vehicle – conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act - on the afternoon of 7 January 2022, £12k of cash was found in a vacuum-sealed bag behind the driver's seat. The cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Frederick (Derek) McCordick, aged 42, was later charged with being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, namely cocaine, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, four counts of possession of criminal property, one count of concealing criminal property and of converting criminal property. He has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment. As part of this proactive operation, a search was carried out of an address in the Derrin Road area of Enniskillen two weeks later on 21st January 2022. Cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of around £3,000, were seized alongside drug-supply paraphernalia. Calvin Holden, aged 25, was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the supply of a class A controlled drug, namely cocaine, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, namely cannabis, three counts of possession and one count of converting criminal property. This week, he was sentenced to a three-year probation order. Detective Inspector MacCionáoith said: 'This sentencing shows that police remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with criminality and drug-related activity. "Teams within our Economic Crime Unit, District Support Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team work collaboratively to stop drugs dealers who extensively ply their trade in County Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland. "Information from the public is crucial in helping us tackle the scourge of drugs and removing those who supply drugs from our streets." Information can be given directly to police by calling 101 or online at Alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
