Interpol are in contact with their 195 member countries as they try to help gardai to identify an elderly man who has been charged with allegedly using passports in the names of two babies born in the 1950’s who died just months after their birth.
Det Garda Padraig Hanley, of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, today told Cork District Court that investigations are still ongoing in multiple jurisdictions as they attempt to identify the man who has been in custody since last month.
The man, who speaks with an American accent, was arrested in Cork passport office last month when he was making an application. Gardai previously indicated that the man has not given them any assistance as they attempt to find out his true identity.
Dt Garda Hanley said the fingerprints of the man are still being circulated by Interpol.
Domestically, Det Garda Hanley said that a number of addresses in Ireland may or may not be linked with the man. Gardai have also been in touch with the RSA, the Residential Tenancies Board, the ESB and the VHI. A team has been set up to carry out enquiries.
Inspector Pat Lyons applied for a further adjournment of the case as investigations are ongoing. Frank Buttimer, solicitor for the man, said that there will have to be a cut off date as to when a decision is made by the DPP in relation to the case.
Judge Olann Kelleher said that the DPP “can’t make a decision when they don’t know who they man is.”
Judge Kelleher remanded the man in custody until October 24th next when he will appear by video link from prison. The man, who has white hair and a beard, appeared by video link in court today.
