Logistics boss jailed after €1.2m cash haul intercepted on M7

Tom Tuite

A Co Laois logistics business owner has been jailed for three years after gardaí intercepted a van transporting €1.2m in crime proceeds.

Eugene Doyle (52), of Ardan Glas, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, was convicted last month by a jury of money laundering following a trial at Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Sentencing was adjourned until Thursday when Judge Keenan Johnson, presiding in Mullingar, imposed a five-year sentence, suspending the final two on condition Doyle does not reoffend for five years post-release.

Judge Johnson said the offence ranked at the upper end of the scale.

The court heard that while Doyle would not explain his involvement, it was clear that "he got in over his head".

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, investigating the activities of an organised crime group, stopped a Nissan Primastar van travelling south on the M7 at Ballybrittas on January 8, 2021.

Searching the vehicle uncovered the massive cash haul, vacuum-packed inside black refuse bags, and the driver was arrested.

Recalling the evidence, Judge Johnson said the van belonged to Doyle's firm, Glenbrook Logistics.

Its driver, a previously homeless man employed by Doyle, had previously been imprisoned for three years for his role.

The sentencing hearing was told that the driver was instructed to go to a petrol station in Naas, where he parked in an area not covered by CCTV.

The driver got out, went to get a coffee, then set off on a three-kilometre walk. At the same time, a second van pulled up to transfer bags into the defendant's vehicle.

The driver returned and then drove away.

Text messages from Doyle showed the driver "acted on his instructions".

The judge said it involved a high degree of planning and coordination. This type of offence allows serious crime gangs to "wash" money through the banking system.

He emphasised its destructive impact on society due to drug trafficking links to money laundering.

Formulating the appropriate sentence, he identified the high value and the defendant's extensive use of his logistics firm as the most aggravating factors.

The offence under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 carries a possible 14-year sentence.

However, the judge considered how Doyle had no relevant prior convictions and suffered from health problems, particularly mobility issues, which would affect him in custody.

Judge Johnson said that no drugs were found at Doyle's home or business and he accepted the jury's verdict. The court then noted the testimonials furnished to the judge.

The judge also said the accused, a father and grandfather, had no trappings of wealth, lived in a rented home and used leased business premises. After the seizure, he went back to working as a driver, and the judge took into account the impact of Doyle's incarceration on his family.