Gardai given more time to get DPP directions after man charged over €6.5m crypto seizure

Detectives with the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) seized around €6.5 million worth of cryptocurrency.

Kevin Daniel Andrei, 23, of Drynam Avenue, Swords, was charged last month with three counts of possessing close to €600,000 in crime proceeds under section seven of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing).

He faced his second hearing at Dublin District Court today when Judge Treasa Kelly heard that the GNCCB needed more time to obtain the directions. Defence solicitor Kate McGhee said there was consent to the adjournment request.

Judge Kelly ordered Mr Andrei, who is on bail, to appear again on November 28.

He is accused of "concealing and disguising the true nature and source of 65 Wirex transactions" totalling €22,049 between March 3, 2021, and September 5, 2022, at various locations within the state.

According to another charge, between February 26, 2021, and February 26, 2024, he engaged in "concealing and disguising the true nature and source of 1,822 Revolut transactions that is the proceeds of criminal conduct," valued €227,429.

The third claims he disguised the true nature and source of 422 separate Binance transactions worth €341,959 between March 21, 2021, and December 20, 2023, at various places in Ireland.

He has yet to indicate a plea.

At his first hearing, GNCCB Detective Ciaran Byrne told the court that the accused, who has been granted legal aid, "made no reply to the charges".

The defendant's bail was set at €100.

He has surrendered his passport, has to sign on three days a week at his local garda station, not to apply for a replacement passport or new travel documents, reside at his current address, and be contactable at all times.

Mr Andrei has also been warned "not to carry out any cryptocurrency transactions" or comment about the case on public forums, including social media.