A driving instructor has been charged in connection with a learner permit fraud involving impersonation during driver theory tests, reports RTE.
Daniel Trifan, aged 50, of Beechfield Meadows in Clonee, Dublin 15, and originally from Romania, appeared before Judge Catherine Ghent at Dublin District Court. He did not apply for bail.
His court appearance followed his extradition from Cyprus and a Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) investigation.
He faces two charges of conspiracy under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, reports RTE.
Court documents allege that he conspired with others to commit deception for gain or to cause loss by unlawfully taking driver theory tests under other people’s names, to secure test pass certificates.
The second count alleges that during the same timeframe, he conspired with others to unlawfully use a computer system by sitting driver theory tests on behalf of third parties, reports RTE.
Detective Garda Barry Cormack provided evidence regarding the arrest, charge, and caution of the accused.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered that Mr Trifan be tried in the Circuit Court, which allows for more severe sentencing, reports RTE.
Defence solicitor Peter Connolly told the court that, because of the nature of the charges, a bail application could not be made at this stage.
That application will need to be heard in the High Court, reports RTE.
Mr Connolly also said that his client, formerly employed as a driving instructor, currently had no income.
The judge approved legal aid for the defendant, reports RTE.
Judge Ghent ordered that Mr Trifan remain in custody while the prosecution compiles a book of evidence for the upcoming trial.
He is due to appear again by video link on Tuesday and has not yet entered a plea. Medical care was requested for him while in custody.
The charges arise from Operation Cartwheel, a Garda operation targeting businesses that deliver driving licence services on behalf of the Road Safety Authority, reports RTE.
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