Waterford resident accused of laundering PUP payments appears in court in the Midlands

A woman accused of money laundering will return before Longford District Court in May to find out if Judge Bernadette Owens will accept jurisdiction of her case. 

In the jurisdiction hearing of Andrea Kalejova (34) of 45 The Glen, Waterford, County Waterford the court heard the defendant is facing 24 charges.

At last weeks court sitting Judge Owens was assessing whether she should accept jurisdiction over the case where the defendant is accused of engaging in the converting /transferring /handling /acquiring /possessing or using the proceeds of crime (a Covid 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350) while knowing that the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

The 24 charges relate to 12 different dates. Sergeant Mark Mahon said it's alleged by the prosecution that Ms Kalejova allowed her bank account to be used by her brother and step brother who are not resident in this country to receive a PUP payment during the Covid pandemic. Sgt Mahon said the alleged loss to the State was €6,048.

Solicitor John Quinn agreed with Judge Owens that clarification on who was the benefactor of the money was at the heart of the case. Sgt Mahon said it will be alleged the defendant allowed the money to be lodged in her account after the application was made online.

Sgt Mahon explained that the Garda investigating the incident is based in Wexford and he would need some time to make arrangements to bring him before the court. Judge Owens said: “I need to know who is the mastermind behind this for the purpose of jurisdiction.”

The judge then adjourned the matter to May 16 to allow the investigating Garda to be present, at which time a Czech interpreter will also attend court.