By Tom Tuite
A Dublin-based businessman, Chengwen Guo, 41, has been accused of money laundering in connection with an alleged €9.7 million fraud involving counterfeit iPhones. Guo, who resides at Ivy Exchange on Parnell Street, was arrested following a three-year investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
He faces three charges under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 for possessing €170,460 in proceeds of crime. The investigation revealed that Guo had significant sums of money at various locations, including €143,245 at his home and €20,700 at his Murray Mobile store in Dundrum.
The court heard that fake Chinese Apple phones were shipped to Ireland, where they were exchanged for genuine iPhones sent to China. During a bail hearing, Gardaí stated they believed Guo was a “central figure” in this elaborate scheme.
Detective Garda Conor Cadogan expressed concerns about Guo’s flight risk, given his financial resources and international connections. The investigation began in December 2021 after Apple reported warranty fraud, leading to further scrutiny of Guo’s operations, which allegedly involved eight Murray Mobile stores across Dublin and Kildare.
Seized evidence suggests that 9,761 out of 10,685 phones submitted for repairs between 2019 and 2021 were confirmed as counterfeit. Guo’s phone, confiscated in January 2021, reportedly contains crucial evidence tying him to the fraud.
The judge denied bail due to fears of witness interference and the potential for Guo to evade justice, noting that Ireland lacks an extradition agreement with China. Further charges may be recommended, including those related to organized crime and trademark violations.