Two individuals who participated in a fraudulent scheme to impersonate learner drivers and take theory tests on behalf of others are set to be sentenced tomorrow.
Alina Glont (42) from Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Daniel Stepien (29) from Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, both pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offences took place between September 2018 and June 2021. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case today to consider sentencing tomorrow.
Detective Garda Barry Cormack told the court that the two accused were part of a five-person group involved in a scheme to take driver theory tests on behalf of third parties. The third parties would contact the group, and arrangements would be made for one of the group to pose as a learner driver at a theory test centre. Upon successfully completing the test, a pass certificate would be issued, allowing the third party to apply for a driving test.
A total of 124 incidents of individuals from the group attending test centres were identified. Stepien sat 68 tests, while Glont completed 20.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) began an investigation in January 2021 after receiving confidential information. By June 2021, 36 potential impersonations were reported to Gardaí.
Detective Cormack stated that investigations revealed third parties paid between €1,000 and €2,000 for the service. Glont’s home was searched by Gardaí, who found seven prepaid debit cards, registered under false names and addresses, used to book over 100 theory tests. Other items recovered included theory test books, cash in sterling and euro, and Glont’s phone.
Although Glont initially provided no useful information when interviewed in 2021, she admitted her role in the scheme during a second interview in 2023. She cooperated fully with the investigation, revealing that she had booked the tests and directed Stepien to attend certain tests.
Stepien was also interviewed, but he did not provide significant evidence. Gardaí described him as being at the lowest level of the hierarchy in the scheme, with ongoing investigations into the remaining members of the group.
Glont has five previous convictions, including for handling stolen property and using a false instrument. Stepien has 30 prior convictions, including for deception, theft, and road traffic offences. In November 2022, Stepien was sentenced to three and a half years for blackmailing a teenager, with his earliest release date set for June 2025.
Defense counsel for both defendants acknowledged their cooperation. Stepien’s lawyer argued that his client received small payments, €150 per test, and that he had been struggling with gambling and substance abuse at the time. It was also emphasized that Stepien had been rehabilitating in prison.
Counsel for Glont highlighted her personal circumstances, including that her ex-partner, who is a person of interest in the investigation, had been violent and coercive. Glont’s behavior reportedly improved after her ex-partner left the jurisdiction. She has since thrived, setting up a chauffeur business and pursuing further education courses.
A number of references were submitted from Glont’s family and former workplace, showing her positive changes. Glont, who has two children, also obtained her PSV and bus driving licenses.
The court will pass sentence on both defendants tomorrow.