The FBI is seeking the extradition of a man who holds dual Irish and US citizenship and who it alleges is “the largest facilitator of child porn on the planet”. The man has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Dublin today.
The man, Eric Eoin Marques, is alleged to have been involved in the distribution of online child pornography.
He is wanted in the US on four charges that carry sentences of up to 30 years in prison for the distribution of images on websites that depict the rape and torture of children.
Ronan Kennedy, BL, on behalf of the attorney general, asked the High Court to remand Marques (28) in custody until Thursday in order for a full request for extradition to be received from US authorities.
Marques, who has an address at Mountjoy Square, was arrested in Dublin last week on foot of an arrest warrant issued by a US court.
The FBI and gardaí have objected to Marques being granted bail because he represents a flight risk.
They had evidence that large sums of money have passed through Marques’ bank accounts, including payments to Romania, and that he had made inquiries about getting a visa for Russia.
If a formal request is not made by US authorities for Marques’ extradition within 18 days of his arrest on 1 August, Marques may be entitled for release.
