DUBLIN-BASED digital marketing student, Michael Fakinle, is facing a potential prison sentence for his involvement in an online scam.
The 21-year-old's bank account was used to collect thousands of euro from unsuspecting victims, including a pharmacist, the Sunday World reported.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that a person the student refused to name, had tricked several individuals and businesses to pay funds into Fakinle's account in 2020, most of which was never recovered.
The scam was uncovered when a shareholder in a water filtration company received an email from the business seeking funds to ease cashflow issues.
The man agreed to provide a loan, and another email came through with bank details.
However, it transpired that the company's email had been hacked and he had been given Fakinle's account details rather than the business's.
Police subsequently discovered the scammer had swindled 3,251 from a pharmacist, and 1,100 from a construction company, which was not recovered.
A pensioner who unwittingly transferred her entire retirement fund (71,892) into Fakinle's account was fortunately able to retrieve her money.
Fakinle pleaded guilty to five counts of handling property knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct, and a separate count of money laundering.
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