Money laundering can lure anyone, even an Irish Defence Forces corporal. And the result? A three-year jail conviction for laundering millions in drug money.

The question is how did that happen? The corporal, Richard Kearney, had no prior convictions. He had a job, a family and a career in the Irish Defence Forces, which was involved in the failed peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

The answer is simple: Kearney made a very bad financial decision. Before he knew it, he was laundering over €6.6 million for drug dealers.

What happened?

Kearney’s downfall started with money issues. He requested a transfer in the army which was granted but his income dropped and he began to struggle financially. Then, around Christmas 2020, he was offered what he thought was a simple “friendly loan.”

Soon, the people who gave him the loan started making demands. When he couldn’t pay back what he owed, the threats started. And that’s how he found himself handling large amounts of cash for criminals, moving money around, and storing stacks of illicit cash in his home.

Between April 2021 and May 2022, Kearney was responsible for laundering millions of Euros for drug dealers. 

How it ended

No one just stumbles onto a money laundering scheme. There are patterns that start to emerge. Suspicions swirled around Kearney, most specifically around his unexplained sudden wealth. When law enforcement raided his home, they found what they suspected: cash, digital evidence and bank statements that didn’t add up.

Once they had Kearney’s phone, the gig was up. Digital forensics showed clear communication with criminals, linking Kearney to a larger laundering operation. When questioned, Kearney admitted to living alone in the apartment, meaning he couldn’t claim ignorance about the cash.

Kearney ultimately cooperated but the evidence was overwhelming. Despite having no prior convictions and serving his country, Kearney was handed a three-year sentence. The judge acknowledged his otherwise good character but couldn’t ignore the severity of the crime.

And that’s the reality of money laundering. The legal system doesn’t distinguish between those who set out to commit crimes and those who get swept up in them. The moment you touch dirty money, you’re fair game.

Money laundering isn’t just a crime of criminal masterminds or corporate fraudsters. It’s something that can entangle everyday people, often without them fully understanding the gravity of their actions. And in the end, ignorance is no defence.

The red flags 

Like many people caught laundering money, Kearney didn’t see himself as a criminal. The situation quickly spiralled out of his control and once law enforcers entered his home it was impossible to miss the red flags:

• The amount of money found in his home was inconsistent with his salary
• Investigators found €10,455 hidden in a bedframe and €15,000 in a freezer
• Kearney’s phone contained messages from known drug dealers, discussing amounts, locations and drop-offs.
• Kearney’s bank statements showed that he had no legal way of earning the money in his possession.

Want to avoid getting involved in money laundering? We have some tips

Many people think money laundering is a crime only for professional criminals. The truth is it can happen to anyone. Criminal networks often exploit regular people who are struggling financially, offering what seems like easy money. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Be wary of “friendly loans”

If someone offers you money with no clear terms, be skeptical. Criminals often lure people into debt before forcing them to do illegal work to pay it back.

If it seems too good to be true, it is

A sudden opportunity to make easy money, through transferring funds, holding cash or letting someone use your bank account, is a huge red flag.

Familiarise yourself with the law

Handling money you suspect is from criminal activity, even if you’re not directly involved in the crime, is illegal. The law truly doesn’t care whether you were pressured or desperate.

Don’t trust easily

Criminals will target people they know or those who seem trustworthy, like a corporal in the Defence Forces. Just because someone seems legitimate, tread very carefully.

Be suspicious of any unusual requests

It sounds obvious but if someone, even someone you trust, asks you to store large sums of cash, transfer money for them or use your account for “business purposes,” remember, this is how money laundering operations work.

Remember, one bad decision can spiral into a serious criminal offense. Money laundering laws are strict, and being unaware of the consequences won’t protect you in court. If you’re ever in a situation where money is changing hands in a way that doesn’t feel right, the best thing you can do is walk away.

Why Anti-Money Laundering Policies Matter

This case highlights why strong anti-money laundering (AML) policies are critical for all organisations. Without proper controls in place, dirty money can flow through legitimate systems, funding everything from drug trafficking to terrorism. AML policies  should focus on:

• Identifying suspicious transactions: Large, unexplained deposits or frequent cash movements should be flagged and investigated.
• Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures: Understanding who you’re dealing with helps prevent criminals from hiding behind fake identities or front businesses.
• Transaction monitoring: Digital tools can detect unusual patterns, like someone with a modest salary suddenly handling large sums of money.
• Employee training: Many people get involved in money laundering out of desperation, not malice. Proper training helps individuals recognize risks before they get trapped.

Money laundering isn’t just a white-collar crime. It enables drug cartels, fuels corruption and destabilizes economies. If you don’t recognize the risks, you could find yourself caught up in something far bigger than you ever imagined.

How Vinciworks can help

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