‘Trusted’ Ukrainian gang member caught with almost €1m from crime, court told

Tom Tuite

A Ukrainian man arrested in Dublin for possessing almost €1 million in illegal earnings was a “trusted” member of a transnational criminal organisation, a court has heard.

Unemployed father of two, Vlodymyr Talriar (37), who has been in Ireland since last year and resided in a flat on Marlborough Road, Dublin 7, was refused bail by Judge Gerard Jones on Friday.

Following a Garda National Drugs and Organised Bureau (GNDOCB) operation, Dublin District Court heard that Mr Talriar was caught “red-handed” and charged with possessing around €980,000 in suspected proceeds of criminal conduct.

A contested bail hearing was told he had €314,060 at his home and €323,690 in his car on April 23rd and €342,000 on April 9th.

Detective Garda Joanna Brown objected to bail and contended that the accused was a flight risk.

She alleged that during the operation, he was stopped driving a car at Glenbeigh Road, Dublin 7.

Searching the vehicle uncovered cash in bags before gardaí went to his home and recovered more money.

The detective said Mr Talriar consistently changed his story about the origin of the money, claiming that it was his savings or that he had been asked to collect and drop it off; the money was wrapped in bundles and appeared to be proceeds of crime.

The court heard that he had been getting €244 weekly from social welfare.

It was also alleged that he had delivered €850,000 a day before his arrest for an unnamed man he described as “a friend/business advisor”.

The charges are under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction.

The detective agreed with his solicitor, Luke Staines, that the accused had an ex-wife and two children living in Co Leitrim.

The defence submitted that the accused was presumed innocent, had significant ties to this jurisdiction, had surrendered his passport, and would sign on twice daily at a Garda station.

The detective alleged the accused was a trusted and highly respected member of a transnational organised criminal organisation and would have access to substantial funds to leave the jurisdiction.

Mr Talriar listened to the proceedings with the help of an interpreter and did not address the court.

She agreed with Mr Staines that the accused could face a two-year wait until his trial in the Circuit Court and that he had no prior convictions or warrant record. However, he stressed that setting bail conditions would not allay her fears that he would fail to turn up for his trial if released.

Denying bail, Judge Jones held Mr Talriar was a flight risk. Legal aid was granted.