Money ‘disappeared’ - allegations against local businessman at Kilkenny District Court

Gardai have raised concerns for members of the public who might engage with an online recruitment company after a local man was charged in court, following allegations that money he was paid had ‘disappeared’.

The man, who runs an online agri-recruitment business, appeared before Kilkenny District Court on charges of deception and money laundering.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS

The man is facing 14 charges of making a gain or loss by deception and three charges of money laundering — he is contesting all the charges against him.

Seven people have made allegations that will be heard at a circuit court hearing later this year.

At Kilkenny District Court, on Monday, state solicitor Gerry Meaney said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the 17 charges against Niall Minogue, Woodsgift, Barna, Co Kilkenny, being sent forward to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court, in November.

A book of evidence in the case had been presented to Mr Minogue by Garda Brendan Power, earlier in the day, the court heard.
All 17 charges related to dates between July 2023 and November 2024.

Judge Geraldine Carthy gave the defendant the usual alibi warning before sending the matter forward to the higher court.
Mr Minogue was released on bail, on conditions including that he sign on at Thomastown Garda Station three times a week and reside at a designated address. The court heard that Mr Minogue has already handed in his passport.

In court, Mr Meaney raised what he said are the “concerns” of gardaí. Mr Minogue is ‘still carrying on’ a web-based, agri-recruitment business, ‘Agri Jobs 365,’ and it is still advertising services, most recently on September 1, he said.

Addressing the judge on the format of the business, Mr Meaney said there are concerns for further monies that might be paid in to the business.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS

Solicitor Chris Hogan, on behalf of Mr Minogue, argued his client has a constitutional right to earn a livelihood. His client’s business is a recruitment service for people in the agri sector.

Mr Hogan also stressed his client is innocent until proven guilty by a court.
He said he had spoken to his client about these matters ‘in the clearest possible terms’.