A Kerry teenager who a court heard was instructed by a “Fagin-esque character”, has pleaded guilty to money-muling charges.
The 16-year boy, who cannot be named as he is a juvenile, appeared before Judge David Waters at Tralee District Court recently.
The teenager faced two charges in relation to transferring illegally obtained money worth €1,400.
Tralee District Court heard that on dates between October 17th and October 18th the teenager handled two separate transactions of €700 each.
Judge David Waters was told the incident was linked to a phishing exercise through mygov.ie accounts.
Sergeant Chris Manton outlined that the boy was instructed by a “Fagin-esque character” to take money from bank accounts.
He added the teenager received bank cards to withdraw cash from an ATM in the county.
The boys solicitor Brendan Ahern told the court his client was handed the cards with consent to remove money from another individuals account.
Judge Waters asked where in the incident the theft occurred, the state responded that the teenager knew what he was doing and had made admissions.
The court heard the 16-year-old has no previous convictions; when asked where he wanted to case to be dealt with the boy replied the district court, before confirming the guilty plea.
Judge Waters ordered a probation report be undertaken, advising it was too serious a matter to deal with without such a report.
He remanded the teen on bail to appear before the court again on May 27th for the probation report.
