Laois court hears ‘money mule’ had placement with Premier League football club

A ‘money mule’ who had a placement at an English Premier League club allowed her ATM card to be used in a scam.  

Aramide Solanke (22) of 2 Burgage Gardens, Newcastle, Dublin admitted laundering €2,500 at AIB Portlaoise on December 8, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the woman had been “reckless” in allowing €2,500 be placed in her account and then giving her ATM card to a man who withdrew the money. 

“She was basically a money mule,” said Sgt Kirby. 

“She gave her own ATM card to somebody else,” noted Judge Stephanie Coggans. 

Sgt Kirby said the woman had no previous convictions. 

Anne Doyle BL said her client had been cooperative and had provided information to Gardaí in relation to the male. “She provided Snapchat details and a username,” she said. 

“She cooperated to some extent Judge, I would say,” said Sgt Kirby. 

“Was there an actual victim in this case or was the  money recovered?” asked Judge Coggans. 

Sgt Kirby said the injured party lived in Kerry. She received a number of messages and believed she was transferring money to her daughter in the United States, he explained. He said the woman only realised she had been deceived when she went to her bank. 

“I think she was reimbursed by the bank,” he said.  He told Judge Coggans that the bank was now at a loss. 

“This is common in this court,” said Sgt Kirby. He said students and young people are being targeted by scammers. 

Judge Coggans said it was difficult to work out to what extent people are to blame. 

Anne Doyle BL said her client had been living in Manchester on a student placement when the offending occurred. She said a man had told her he was coming to Manchester to purchase a car and he asked her if he could send money to her account. “She thought she was just doing a favour for a friend,” Ms Doyle explained. She said the woman was naive and didn’t know where the money had come from. 

Ms Doyle said her client had grown up in Dublin and was now living in Manchester. She had obtained a degree in athletics training and had worked on a placement “for a Premier League football team” as a physio. 

Judge Coggans asked if she was still working as a physio? 

Ms Doyle said her client was working in retail and was currently looking for work as a physio. 

“She did have a placement with Manchester City,” said Ms Doyle.  She said her client was “absolutely terrified” to be in court. 

Judge Coggans said she would like to have a victim impact statement in relation to the matter. She requested a victim impact statement and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on March 23 for finalisation.