Man faces 69 counts of deceiving Department of Social Protection over Covid PUP payment

A man appeared at last week's district court facing 69 counts of deception.

Raul Talpa, (30) St Patrick's Wood, Edenderry is charged with dishonestly by deception inducing the Department of Social Protection to pay PUP payments of €350 in the name of another person to AIB bank in the name of Raul Talpa with the intention of making gain for himself on dates in 2020. 

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was available to employees and the self-employed in Ireland who lost their job on or after 13 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

PUP recipients received up to €350 per week, with the last payment reportedly made in March 2022. 

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, the arresting Garda said Mr Talpa made no reply to the charges.

The Garda said the DPP had directed that Mr Raul be sent forward for trial on indictment to the circuit court. His bail conditions include being of good behaviour and residing at his Edenderry address. He is to surrender his travel documents.

The Garda requested six weeks for the preparation of the book of evidence.

Judge Andrew Cody put the case back to November 8, 2023 for service of the book of evidence.