A man has been charged with using a bogus Afghan passport and theft of €48,000 during an alleged 12-year social welfare fraud.
Faizal Akbar (60), of Benburb Street, Dublin 7, was charged on Wednesday with 12 counts of theft of various sums and unlawful use of two false documents, including an Afghan passport, between 2008 and 2019.
At Dublin District Court, Det Garda Dave Chapman told Judge Treasa Kelly that the accused was charged at the Bridewell Garda station and “made no reply” before being handed true copies of the charges.
He confirmed there was no objection to bail if the accused handed over his passport and provided the address where he would reside.
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Defence solicitor Eoghan O’Sullivan informed the detective of his client’s address and handed over the man’s Pakistani passport.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of Mr Akbar’s case in the District Court if he pleads guilty.
Otherwise, he must face trial before a judge and jury in the Circuit Court which has wider sentencing powers.
Mr Akbar did not address the proceedings until Judge Kelly told him he must not apply for other travel documents or renew his passport, after which he replied, “Yes”.
She also warned him to notify gardaí of any address change and to remain in the jurisdiction.
The defence solicitor said it was a matter where the accused “self-reported” himself to the authorities and it was expected that a certain course of action would be taken on the next date.
However, Mr O’Sullivan said he still wished to have an opportunity go over the prosecution evidence. Judge Kelly granted a disclosure order.
A statement of his means was handed in to court as part of Mr Akbar’s application for legal aid and the court heard he was on social welfare. The said he was entitled to it and acceded to the application.
Mr Akbar was remanded in his bond of €500 and ordered to appear in court again next month to enter a plea.
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