The High Court has ordered the extradition of a Limerick man to Austria, where he is accused of stealing rhinoceros horns.
John Quilligan (31) of Roches Road in Rathkeale was sought by Austrian prosecutors investigating the theft of the horns, which are estimated to be worth €300,000 on the black market.
This evening, Mr Justice John Edwards ordered Mr Quilligan’s surrender and remanded him in custody to Cloverhill Prison while arrangements are made for his transfer to Austria after refusing to grant bail.
“The risk in granting bail is one that I can’t take,” said the judge
Mr Justice Edwards told Mr Quilligan that he has the right to go to the High Court if he had any concerns about the legality of his detention.
The court previously heard that Austrian authorities “highly suspect” Mr Quilligan, also known as John Ross, of being a member of an Irish criminal gang specialising in the theft of rhino horns.
A European Arrest Warrant was issued in Vienna last January for the surrender of Mr Quilligan, who is a Traveller.
Authorities in Austria are seeking his return in relation to four offences, including the aggravated professional theft and attempted theft of rhino horns.
Mr Justice Edwards refused to grant a certificate to allow him to go to the Supreme Court to challenge his extradition because he said his legal team did not raise a discreet point of law.
“I just don’t see a discreet point of law that requires to be clarified,” said the judge.
Mr Quilligan fought his extradition in the High Court in Dublin, arguing that there was no evidence that a decision has been made to charge him once he gets to Austria, something his lawyers claimed is required by law.