Man to face trial for alleged offences related to people trafficking in Donegal

A 26-year-old man is to face trial for allowing bank accounts in his name to be used in relation to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. 

The accounts were in banks in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and Artane, Dublin. Tomass Cukurs of Mill Road, Glenties appeared before Ballyshannon District Court via videolink on Friday, April 17. A Russian interpreter was present in the courtroom. 

Cukurs is currently on remand in Castlerea Prison on two charges.

It is alleged that on dates between February 6, 2022 and November 24, 2022, both dates inclusive, at a location within the state, he enhanced the ability of a criminal organisation to commit the serious offence of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation within the state. This was allegedly done by opening and permitting others to use accounts with Allied Irish Bank which were in his name, thus participating in and contributing to an activity of the organisation. The accounts were in branches in Ballyshannon and Dublin. The offence is contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. 

It is further alleged that in the same period and within the stage, Cukurs engaged knowingly or recklessly in acquiring, possessing, handling and transferring proceeds of criminal conduct, namely €202,621. The offence is contrary to Section 7(1)(a)(i), (1)(b) and (3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

Solicitor Ciaran White was representing the defendant on behalf of solicitor John Anderson. He pointed out that the matter was listed for service of the book of evidence, and all parties were agreeable for the matter to be adjourned and time to be extended for this to take place.

Inspector Tony Byrne said that the book of evidence was ready.

The inspector told the court that these offences automatically travel on indictment to the Central Criminal Court unless the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consents to disposal in ordinary courts. 

“The Director confirms that she consents for disposal in the ordinary courts,” he said.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham explained to the defendant that this means that he will be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court rather than to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

She adjourned the case to Ballyshannon District Court on May 1, with the defendant to be brought from prison to be served with the book of evidence on that date.

This was the first case to be heard via the new videolink system in Ballyshannon courthouse. Previously, cases requiring videolink had to be heard in Sligo Courthouse.