A Ukrainian man accused of possessing nearly €1 million in criminal proceeds has been refused bail in Dublin.
Vlodymyr Talriar, 37, an unemployed father of two who has lived in Ireland since last year, was described by authorities as a “trusted” member of a transnational organised crime group. He resided in an apartment on Marlborough Road, Dublin 7.
Talriar appeared before Dublin District Court following a Garda National Drugs and Organized Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) operation.
Judge Gerard Jones denied him bail after hearing he had been caught “red-handed” with approximately €980,000 suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
During a contested bail hearing, Detective Garda Joanna Brown outlined that €314,060 was recovered from Talriar’s residence, while €323,690 was found in his vehicle on April 23. An additional €342,000 had been seized earlier on April 9.
The court heard that Gardaí stopped Talriar while he was driving along Glenbeigh Road, Dublin 7.
A search of his car uncovered bags of cash, leading officers to his home, where further money was discovered.
Detective Brown told the court Talriar gave inconsistent accounts regarding the origin of the cash, alternately claiming it was his savings or that he had been asked to collect and deliver it.
She said the money was bundled in a manner consistent with proceeds of crime and noted Talriar had been receiving €244 per week in social welfare payments.
It was further alleged that Talriar had delivered €850,000 the day before his arrest to an individual he referred to as a “friend/business advisor.”
He faces charges under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Talriar’s solicitor, Luke Staines, argued that his client had strong ties to Ireland, noting his ex-wife and two children live in County Leitrim. He pointed out that Talriar had surrendered his passport and was willing to sign in at a Garda station twice daily.
However, Detective Brown insisted that Talriar was a significant and highly regarded member of an international criminal network and had access to substantial financial resources, increasing the likelihood that he would flee the jurisdiction if granted bail.
The court also heard that Talriar, who required an interpreter during the hearing, had no prior convictions or outstanding warrants.
Nonetheless, the judge found that no bail conditions would adequately mitigate the flight risk.
Judge Jones ultimately refused bail and granted Talriar legal aid.
