Monk ‘remanded in custody’ in Spain
Irishman Gerard Hutch, known as ‘the Monk’, has been remanded in custody in Spain along with two others in connection with alleged money laundering offences. The 61-year-old was one of nine individuals brought before a judge in Lanzarote, with two people remanded and seven released on bail.
Among those appearing were a close relative of Mr Hutch and legal and business associates. The group is being investigated as an alleged gang of international criminals involved in money laundering. Spanish authorities have imposed a secrecy order on the case as the investigation continues.
The joint investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Guardia Civil focuses on the movement of large sums of money and property purchases in Spain. Evidence from a search at Mr Hutch’s home in Dublin has been provided to Spanish authorities.
Mr Hutch, who has a home in Lanzarote, has been traveling between Spain and Ireland since his release last year. The police investigation involves collaboration between Irish and Spanish authorities targeting a Transnational Organised Crime Group operating in both countries.