Ireland Case No. 1315Theft, using false instruments (false medical claims), money laundering · Co. Longford
Three adjourned in Longford HSE theft and false claims case
Two non-Irish doctors, Muhammad Azam (59) and Waqas Farooqi (46), and Irish secretary Gillian McCord (56) are charged with a combined total of 135 to 137 counts of theft, using false medical claims, and money laundering relating to the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme. The theft counts relate to 19 Dublin Street, Longford, and the false claims relate to 12 patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas, Dublin 11, for periods between 2017 and 2019. The three were charged in July 2025, sent forward for trial at Longford Circuit Criminal Court, and remanded on continuing bail. The case was mentioned at Longford Circuit Court on 6 October 2026 and adjourned until 6 April 2027, with a jury trial expected to last three to four weeks.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court13 Jun
11 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- The three accused are charged with stealing money under the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme and submitting false medical service claims on behalf of 12 patients.
- Where
- The theft counts relate to 19 Dublin Street, Longford, and the false claims relate to the Primary Care Reimbursement Services at Exit 50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.
- When
- The theft counts are dated between October 2017 and October 2019, the false claims between August 2017 and October 2019, and the money laundering charges between October 2017 and December 2019.
- Charges
- Each accused faces 20 counts of theft and 22 counts of using false medical service or out-of-hours payment forms, with the two doctors also facing money laundering charges.
- The three face a combined total of 135 to 137 charges, with Azam facing 48, Farooqi 47, and McCord 42.
- In court
- The DPP directed the three be sent forward for trial at Longford Circuit Criminal Court and did not consent to a signed plea.
- The three appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court on 15 July 2025 and were remanded on continuing bail.
- The case was mentioned at Longford Circuit Court on 6 October 2026 and adjourned until 6 April 2027, with a jury trial expected to last three to four weeks.
- Other details
- Bail conditions include a €5,000 cash lodgment by both doctors, surrender of passports, and weekly signing at Longford and Mullingar Garda Stations.
- Muhammad Azam (59) is a doctor of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford; Waqas Farooqi (46) is a doctor of Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath; and Gillian McCord (56) is a secretary of Knockanboy, Co Longford.
- Investigation
- The book of evidence was served on the three defendants, and counsel indicated they needed more time to review it.
108 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe three accused appeared at Longford District Court accused of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical claims to the HSE. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatThe accused allegedly used false medical documentation to indicate that patients had received medical services. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe trio allegedly used false medical documentation to indicate that patients had received medical services. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatThree accused were charged with multiple counts of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims to the HSE. (longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe accused appeared at Longford District Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe theft counts relate to the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme at 19 Dublin Street, Longford. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- whereThe theft counts relate to the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme at 19 Dublin Street, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe false claims related to 12 different patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas, Dublin 11. (irishtimes.com, longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe false claims related to 12 different patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services, Exit 50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11. (longfordleader.ie)
- whenEach defendant is charged with 20 theft counts for dates between October 2017 and October 2019. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationGarda Sergeant Gerry Newton gave evidence of serving the Book of Evidence on the three defendants. (longfordleader.ie)
- investigationThe book of evidence had only recently been served and counsel needed more time to go through it. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeEach defendant faces 20 theft counts relating to the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme, dated October 2017 to October 2019. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeEach defendant faces 22 further charges over false medical service or out-of-hours payment forms for 12 patients. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeThe two doctors also face money laundering charges linked to bank accounts held between October 2017 and December 2019. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeThe accused are charged with stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims to the HSE. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused face a total of 138 counts. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeMr Azam and Mr Farooqi each face 48 charges and Ms McCord faces 42. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeEach accused is charged with 20 counts of theft between October 2017 and October 2019. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeEach accused faces 22 further charges over the alleged use of false medical service claims or out-of-hours payment forms for 12 patients. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Azam and Dr Farooqi also face several money laundering charges linked to bank accounts. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused face a total of 138 counts, with 48 each for the two doctors and 42 for the secretary. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeEach accused faces 20 counts of theft on dates between October 2017 and October 2019 from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeEach accused faces 22 further charges over alleged false medical service or out-of-hours claims for 12 patients between August 2017 and October 2019. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe two doctors also face several money laundering charges linked to Ulster Bank, AIB and PTSB accounts between October 2017 and December 2019. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused face a total of 137 counts between them. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe defendants face further charges over false medical service claims or out-of-hours payment forms for 12 patients. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Azam and Dr Farooqi also face several charges relating to money laundering. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused face 137 counts between them. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeEach defendant is charged with 20 counts of theft between October 2017 and October 2019. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeEach defendant also faces 22 charges over alleged false medical claims or payment forms for 12 patients between August 2017 and October 2019. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeThe two doctors also face several money laundering charges linked to bank accounts between October 2017 and December 2019. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeThe three defendants face a combined total of 135 charges. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe charges include 20 counts of theft. (irishtimes.com, longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe charges include 22 counts of using false general medical services claims or out-of-hours payment forms. (irishtimes.com, longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Azam and Dr Farooqi were charged with multiple counts of money-laundering within the State between October 2017 and December 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe three accused face a combined total of 135 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Azam faces a total of 48 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Farooqi faces 47 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeA total of 42 charges were brought against Ms McCord. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeDr Azam and Dr Farooqi were charged with multiple counts of money laundering at locations within the state between October 2017 and December 2019. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused face a combined total of 135 charges, including 20 counts of theft and 22 counts of using false general medical services claims or out-of-hours payment forms. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeMuhammad Azam faces 48 charges, Waqas Farooqi faces 47 charges and Gillian McCord faces 42 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused are charged with multiple counts of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three accused are also charged with submitting false medical service claims on behalf of patients to the HSE. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeThe three defendants were charged in July 2025 with a combined total of 135 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeFarooqi is accused of 47 charges of theft and multiple counts of money-laundering. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeMs McCord faces 42 charges. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the three defendants be sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe DPP had not consented to a signed plea for the defendants. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe State did not object to bail if conditions were met, including a €5,000 cash lodgment by both doctors. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe three defendants were remanded on bail and the case was adjourned until July 8. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtNo cash lodgment for bail was sought for the secretary, but she must surrender her passport and sign on weekly at Longford Garda Station. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe DPP directed that the three accused be sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe book of evidence was expected to be ready for the next court appearance. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe three accused were remanded on bail and the case was adjourned to July 8. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe three accused appeared at Longford District Court accused of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe DPP directed that the three accused be sent forward to face trial at the Circuit Criminal Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe State did not object to bail on conditions that included a €5,000 cash lodgment by both doctors and surrender of passports. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe two doctors must sign on weekly every Wednesday at Longford and Mullingar Garda Stations. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe three accused were remanded on bail and the case was adjourned until July 8. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe three accused were sent forward for trial. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe DPP sought to have the accused returned for trial at Longford Circuit Criminal Court on July 15. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtDr Farooqi and Ms McCord were remanded on bail. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe judge issued separate alibi warnings to the three accused. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was sent forward for trial. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe accused were to be returned for trial at Longford Circuit Criminal Court on 15 July. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtAll three accused were remanded on bail under conditions set at an earlier hearing. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe three defendants appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court on a Tuesday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court heard the three had only recently been served with the book of evidence and counsel needed more time. (irishtimes.com)
- courtAll three were remanded on continuing bail to reappear in court on 28 October. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trio appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court on Tuesday, July 15. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtAll three were remanded on continuing bail. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe trio will reappear on 28 October 2025 for mention. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe trio appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe trio had only recently been served with the book of evidence and counsel needed more time. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe cases were adjourned at Longford Circuit Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtA jury will be required for the case against Waqas Farooqi. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe trial against Waqas Farooqi is believed to last around four weeks. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtWaqas Farooqi's case was adjourned until May 19. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe cases against Muhammad Azam and Gillian McCord were adjourned until February 24. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtMuhammad Azam and Gillian McCord, through their barrister, said they were still deciding what course to take. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at Longford Circuit Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtA judge directed barristers to furnish a letter within four weeks about any alleged outstanding evidence and information. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtA jury would be required for the trial against the doctor Mr Farooqi, which is believed to last around four weeks. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe prosecution said disclosure has been furnished and is closed. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case is listed for mention on 7 July to fix a trial date. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case was mentioned at Longford Circuit Court on 6 October 2026 at the start of the three-week session. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtA jury would be required for the trial involving Farooqi. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe trial was expected to last three weeks with the possibility of a fourth week. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case could not be dealt with during the October sessions due to time limitations. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtBarrister Stephen Faulkner BL suggested the trial be set for 6 April. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtDisclosure had been furnished in respect of Mr Azam. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtJudge Kenneth Connolly remanded all three defendants on continuing bail. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned until 6 April 2027. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceThe three accused were remanded on continuing bail on the same terms and conditions until 7 July. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe two doctors must sign on weekly at Longford and Mullingar Garda Stations. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe DPP had not consented to or offered a signed plea. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe State did not object to bail once conditions were met. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherBail conditions included a €5,000 cash lodgment by both doctors. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe two doctors were directed to sign on weekly at Longford and Mullingar Garda Stations. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherBoth doctors lodged €5,000 cash as part of their bail conditions. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe three accused were previously directed to surrender their passports. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherDr Azam of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford faces 48 charges. (irishtimes.com)
- otherDr Farooqi of Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath faces 47 charges. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMs McCord of Knockanboy, Co Longford faces 42 charges. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe false claims related to 12 different patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas, Dublin. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherIt is alleged the three used false medical documentation to indicate that patients had received medical services. (longfordleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 6 Oct2026Latest update in major theft case against Longford doctors and secretary
Reports the court mention on 6 October 2026, the per-defendant charge counts (Farooqi 47, Azam 48, McCord 42), the need for a jury, the expected trial duration of three to four weeks, and the adjournment to 6 April 2027 with all three remanded on continuing bail.
suspect, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqisuspect, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamsuspect, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 26 May2026Update in case of two doctors and secretary charged with Longford theft and deception
Court mention update: the three accused are charged with theft under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and false HSE claims, the trial is expected to need a jury and about four weeks, and the case is adjourned to 7 July.
accused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, namedWaqas Farooqiaccused, Muhammad Azam, 59, namedMuhammad Azamaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 12 Feb2026Two doctors and secretary charged with Longford theft and deception have cases adjourned
Reports the Longford Circuit Court adjournments for three co-accused, including a jury requirement for Waqas Farooqi's trial, the next court dates, and the charge totals for each accused.
accused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqiaccused, Muhammad Azam, 59, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 25 Jul2025Significant evidence as two doctors and secretary accused of over 130 Longford thefts
Reports the trio's appearance before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court, details the 135 combined charges (20 theft, 22 false claims, plus money laundering), the 12 patients at Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas, the individual charge counts (48, 47, 42), the money laundering period (Oct 2017–Dec 2019), and their remand on continuing bail with a return date of 28 October 2025.
suspect, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamsuspect, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqisuspect, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 25 Jul2025Evidence as two doctors and secretary accused of over 130 Longford thefts
Reports the 15 July 2025 court appearance before Judge Kenneth Connolly, details the 135 charges (20 theft, 22 false claims), identifies the 12 patients at Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas, notes money laundering charges for the two doctors covering October 2017 to December 2019, and confirms remand on continuing bail with next appearance 28 October 2025.
suspect, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamsuspect, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqisuspect, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 15 Jul2025Two doctors and a secretary accused of stealing money appear in court
First court appearance after book of evidence was served; 135 charges outlined; remanded on continuing bail to 28 October.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 8 Jul2025Two doctors and secretary in Midlands accused of over 120 thefts sent forward for trial
Adds that the three accused were sent forward for trial, that the matter is listed at Longford Circuit Criminal Court on 15 July, the total of 137 counts, the 20 theft counts and 22 false-claim counts per defendant, the money laundering charges against the two doctors, and that all three were remanded on bail.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 8 Jul2025Two doctors and secretary accused of over 120 Longford thefts sent forward for trial
Adds that the three accused were sent forward for trial, the total of 137 counts, the Circuit Criminal Court date of 15 July, bail and passport conditions, and that the doctors lodged €5,000 cash each. Confirms the charges are for theft at 19 Dublin Street, Longford, and false claims for 12 patients at the PCRS head offices in Finglas.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 19 Jun2025Two doctors & secretary face trial for theft and deception in Longford court
Reports the court appearance at Longford District Court, the DPP direction to send the case forward for trial, the number of counts per accused, the money laundering charges against the two doctors, the bail conditions and the July 8 adjournment.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Muhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Waqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 13 Jun2025Two doctors and secretary will face trial over multiple Longford theft and deception charges
Reports that the three accused were sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court, gives the total of 138 counts and the per-person breakdown, and sets out bail and signing conditions and the next court date.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, namedMuhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, namedWaqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord - 13 Jun2025Two doctors and secretary in Midlands will face trial over multiple theft and deception charges
Reports that the three accused face 138 counts in total, with the DPP directing that they be sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court. Gives bail conditions, including a €5,000 cash lodgment by each doctor, and the case was adjourned to July 8.
accused, Muhammad Azam, 59, male, namedMuhammad Azamaccused, Waqas Farooqi, 46, male, namedWaqas Farooqiaccused, Gillian McCord, 56, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gillian McCord