Couple face trial over €274k theft, fraud and pandemic funds laundering
Tom Tuite
A married couple has been sent for trial in connection with the theft of €274,000 from the State and the laundering of pandemic wage subsidy funds across international accounts.
Edward Wang, 57, and his wife Kit Lee, 50, of Colpe Crescent, Deepforde, Dublin Road, Co Meath, appeared at Dublin District Court following an investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.
Garda Sergeant Brian Hawkins told Judge Michele Finan that they had "no reply" when charged.
The Director of Public Prosecutions authorised that the couple face trial on indictment.
The judge agreed to grant a return-for-trial order, sending them forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on May 21st next.
No plea was entered by the couple, who were warned to notify the prosecution within 14 days if they intended to use alibis in their defence.
The judge also acceded to a request from defence solicitor Conor McGreevy to order gardaí to provide copies of interview videos.
Wang is accused of stealing €236,093, property of The Office of The Revenue Commissioners, between September 1st, 2020 and May 5th the following year.
A second theft charge alleges that, from March 20th, 2021, to March 29th, 2022, he stole €38,250 in property belonging to the Department of Social Protection.
He also faces deception charges. According to one, he was said to have induced the Department of Social Protection to issue him with PPS numbers under two false names to make a gain for himself or another person on August 7, 2021 and June 4, 2020.
He has multiple charges of converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct – stolen Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme Funds in various bank accounts.
The scheme was an Irish government initiative designed to help businesses affected by COVID-19 retain staff.
He and his wife are accused of possessing or transferring €38,350 cash and £6,260 cash, suspected crime proceeds, at his home in November 2022.
Lee is accused of three other charges, including attempting to commit an indictable offence at KBC Bank, 47 Main Street, Swords, Co Dublin, contrary to common law.
She is also accused of deception by inducing the Department of Social Protection to issue her husband, Edward Wang, a PPS number in a false name.
She has a charge of money laundering, on January 10th, 2021, in connection with stolen Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme funds to the value of €3,108, also purported to be proceeds of criminal conduct.
