Dublin, April 12, 2025 – A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband were detained at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 on Thursday, accused of attempting to smuggle €340,000 out of Ireland on behalf of a transnational criminal organization, a Dublin District Court heard. Iryna Bandarieva, 69, a businesswoman, and Ihor Shandar, 60, both residents of Betova, Kyiv, Ukraine, were arrested in what authorities described as a “red-handed” operation. The couple faces charges under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction.
The arrests stem from a collaborative investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue, following intelligence about a crime syndicate involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. The defendants, who appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin, were denied bail due to concerns over flight risk, with duplicate charges alleging possession of €340,000 in criminal proceeds at the airport on April 9. Represented by solicitor Julianne Hayden, the couple pleaded not guilty, asserting that the funds represented their life savings.
Details of the Incident
Authorities discovered €170,000 in €50 notes, organized into 17 bundles of €10,000 each, concealed within Mr. Shandar’s luggage, alongside €167,000 in Ms. Bandarieva’s baggage. An additional €7,000 was found in their hand luggage. Detective Vincent Jaffray of the GNDOCB alleged that the couple, who arrived in Ireland from Nice, France, on Wednesday, intended to transport the cash out of the jurisdiction. Mr. Shandar claimed during questioning that their visit was for sightseeing, though evidence suggested otherwise. The pair had booked a hotel using a bank card and were scheduled to fly to Cyprus—where they reportedly planned to purchase property—via a 12-hour stopover, followed by an onward flight to Milan, Italy. Recently relocated to Italy, the defendants’ travel plans raised further suspicion.
Four mobile phones seized during the arrest contained data, including a photo of 34 cash bundles on a bed, believed to be the €340,000 recovered. Detective Jaffray noted that the couple’s lack of prior ties to Ireland, combined with their movements, supported the prosecution’s case. Mr. Shandar possessed two passports, though one was clarified as for internal Ukrainian travel, while Ms. Bandarieva held a single passport, which she offered to surrender.
Bail Hearing and Defense Arguments
During the contested bail hearing, Detective Kate Gilligan expressed concerns that Ms. Bandarieva, who had visited Ireland once before, might flee if released, citing her ongoing travel agency business in Ukraine and family ties in the UK. Ms. Hayden countered that her clients were willing to transfer their Italian residency application to Ireland and comply with strict bail conditions, including daily sign-ins at a Garda station. Ms. Bandarieva assured the court, “I promise I will remain in Ireland until this has been dealt with,” emphasizing her willingness to cooperate. She also cited trust issues with banks and highlighted her unblemished record, describing herself as a hardworking individual of good character.
Ms. Hayden argued that her clients posed no significant flight risk, noting Mr. Shandar’s exemption from conscription in Ukraine due to his age and Ms. Bandarieva’s lack of international mobility with only one passport. She dismissed suggestions of sophisticated evasion, stating, “She is not Jason Bourne.” Despite these pleas, Judge Halpin upheld the presumption of innocence but denied bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and the couple’s tenuous connection to Ireland. Legal aid was granted, and they were remanded in custody, with a scheduled reappearance on Wednesday.
Ongoing Investigation
The GNDOCB must now seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to advance the case. Judge Halpin urged detectives to expedite proceedings, acknowledging the complexity and potential two-year timeline before trial. The investigation continues to unravel the broader network allegedly linked to the €340,000, with authorities focusing on the couple’s role in the transnational crime syndicate.
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