Ireland Court orders return of car seized in Longford money laundering investigation
On 29 March 2024 gardaí executed a search warrant at Pearse View, Longford, and seized a 211 Ford Kuga car, which the State said was evidence in a money laundering investigation. Gardaí believe the money was derived from money laundering and drugs offences, and cash, scales, and items wrapped in black duct tape and white powder were found and are being examined. Nobody has been charged, the applicant Shania Duignan has no previous convictions, and the investigation is described as ongoing. District Court Judge Deirdre Gearty granted Ms Duignan's application for the car's return at a recent sitting, reported on 17 August 2024, and directed that it be returned within 14 days.
- Reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Shania Duignan applied for the return of a seized 211 Ford Kuga car, which a Longford Leader report describes as belonging to its registered owner.
- Where
- Gardaí executed a search warrant at Pearse View, Longford, and seized the car.
- When
- The search and seizure took place on 29 March 2024.
- The car was held at Longford Garda Station from March 2024.
- Cause
- Gardaí believe the money was derived from money laundering and drugs offences.
- Investigation
- The State said the car was seized as evidence in a money laundering investigation.
- Prosecuting Inspector Paddy McGirl said the investigation is ongoing.
- Cash, scales, and items wrapped in black duct tape and white powder were found during the search of the home.
- The items wrapped in black duct tape and white powder are being examined.
- Charges
- No one is reported as charged, and the applicant had not been arrested, charged, or questioned about any offence connected with the allegations.
- In court
- District Court Judge Deirdre Gearty granted the application at a recent sitting, reported on 17 August 2024.
- The judge said there was no reason for gardaí to keep the car as part of the investigation.
- The judge directed that the car be returned within 14 days.
- Other details
- The applicant has no previous convictions and co-operated at all times, according to the facts given.
- Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors moved the application, with barrister Niall Flynn presenting.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatShania Duignan applied for the return of a seized 211 Ford Kuga. (longfordleader.ie)
- whenThe car had been held by gardaí at Longford Garda Station since March. (longfordleader.ie)
- whenGardaí executed a search warrant at Pearse View, Longford, on March 29, 2024, and seized the car. (longfordleader.ie)
- causeGardaí believe the money was derived from money laundering and drugs offences. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationThe State said the car was seized as evidence in a money laundering investigation. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationThe prosecuting inspector said the investigation is ongoing. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationCash was found during the search of the home. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationScales were found during the search. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationItems wrapped in black duct tape and white powder are being examined. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtDistrict Court Judge Deirdre Gearty granted the application. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe judge said there was no reason for gardaí to keep the car as part of the investigation. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe judge directed that the car be returned within 14 days. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe applicant has no previous convictions and co-operated at all times. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe applicant had not been arrested, charged or questioned about any offence connected with the allegations. (longfordleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Aug2024Application for return of car seized by Longford Gardaí is granted
Reports a District Court ruling ordering a seized car returned to its registered owner. No one is reported as charged, and the investigation is described as ongoing.