A 55-year-old man, Farhats Bathijevs, was recently arrested in Dublin after a significant police operation uncovered nearly €1.4 million worth of gold bullion, substantial amounts of cash, and suspected drugs, including cocaine and MDMA.
Bathijevs, who resides in Earlsfort Court, Lucan, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with possessing 18kg of gold bullion valued at €1,375,218, and €400,000 in cash, the proceeds of crime. These charges relate to an operation carried out by the Dublin Crime Response Team, which involved raids on various Dublin premises last weekend.
In addition to the gold and cash, Bathijevs faces accusations of having control over a false Irish learner’s permit and two counterfeit Latvian passports. He is also charged with the possession of illicit drugs, including cocaine and MDMA, at Hillview Grove in Dundrum on September 28, 2024, with intent to sell or distribute.
Detective Garda Sean McElory confirmed that Bathijevs was arrested on Friday at 6:17 PM during the two-day search operation. Following his detention at Ronanstown Garda Station, Bathijevs was charged with ten offenses, to which he made no reply.
His defense attorney, Ciaran MacLoughlin, did not apply for bail, opting for his client to remain in custody until Friday, when he will appear before Cloverhill District Court via video link.
The court has also instructed the Gardaí to seek a statement of means for Bathijevs, who has been remanded in custody.
