Criminology graduate admits laundering money from phishing scam

Tom Tuite

A criminology graduate awaits sentence after he admitted to laundering almost €3,000 stolen from a woman in a text message scam.

Fawaz Sulaimon (28) of Russell Lawns, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to possessing crime proceeds on June 29th, 2020.

At Dublin District Court, Judge Karen Dowling heard that the woman fell prey to phishing fraud, clicking a link sent to her phone.

She entered her bank details, and €2,975 was later transferred to Sulaimon's bank account and withdrawn.

The woman was reimbursed by her bank.

Defence solicitor Aoife McTaggart pleaded with Judge Dowling to note that her client, a father-of-one, had saved up and brought €3,000 to court.

Sulaimon remained silent during the hearing. The court heard the accused was unemployed at the time

However, he has since earned a bachelor's degree in criminology. He has also completed a barbering course and works in footwear cleaning.

No victim impact statement was available.

Asked if he was open to engaging in a restorative justice programme, the solicitor said he would and that he worked hard to earn the compensation, which was handed over in court.

The judge heard he had a supportive family who ensured he stayed out of trouble.

The solicitor highlighted that it had happened several years ago when he was much younger.

The accused had five criminal convictions, including another money laundering offence in 2024, which resulted in a suspended sentence.

Judge Dowling deferred finalising the case for a probation report to be furnished to the court.

Sentencing was adjourned until July, and Sulaimon was remanded on continuing bail.