Member of the ‘XY gang’ involved in a Limerick city-wide feud in court for ‘washing money’

A MEMBER of the “XY gang” involved in a “city-wide feud” - who is currently serving a sentence after being caught red-handed with over €1 million in cash and drugs - was before Limerick Circuit Court for “effectively washing money”.

James Curtis, aged 54, of Reiska, Kilcommon, Thurles,  pleaded guilty to participating in or facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation. 

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Judge Colin Daly outlined the facts of the case, heard on an earlier date.

“Gardai were involved in an investigation of an organised criminal gang. For the purpose of the sentencing hearing they are being referred to as the ‘XY gang’,” said Judge Daly. He said as part of a garda investigation into the “XY gang”, under Operation Coronation, an Audi car purchased in Omagh, Northern Ireland came on their radar.

“It appears that the vehicle was purchased with proceeds of crime and the import duty was also paid with the proceeds of crime by the accused.

“It appears he made an appointment with an NCT center in Limerick to enable the registration of the vehicle on September 28, 2020. The amount of money involved in the transaction at the NCT centre is considered to be a relatively modest €7,217,” said Judge Daly.

The Judge said Curtis was “effectively washing money”.

“It left them with a valuable asset that could then be sold for what might be termed clean money or legitimised money,” said Judge Daly, who accepted opinion evidence from Detective Inspector Ronan McDonagh that Curtis is a member of the “XY gang”.

Judge Daly said one month after this offence, Curtis was “caught red-handed” with  €647,000 worth of cocaine and €376,550 in cash. The Court of Appeal handed down a 10-year jail sentence after his original term of imprisonment was deemed to be too lenient.

 “The sentencing court considered his role in the gang as providing logistical assistance, not being at the bottom rung, not being the top rung and I will draw a similar conclusion.

“The gang are principally members of one family and are in a feud with another family which has become a city-wide feud. The gang are involved in the illegal sale of drugs which appears to be quite lucrative for them,” said Judge Daly.

Curtis is legitimising money - the proceeds of criminal conduct - which is necessary for the gang to continue engaging in criminality and to thrive, he said.

Judge Daly, in mitigation, took into account Curtis’ plea of guilty, his age, personal circumstances and that he is doing well in prison.

Judge Daly, who imposed a five-year jail sentence, said a person helping these organisations can expect a serious sentence upon conviction. The five-year sentence is concurrent to the 10 years in jail that Curtis is currently serving.