Man faces extradition to US over alleged link to drug site

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter

Cormac Murphy

January 13 2014 11:34 PM

The US authorities are seeking the extradition of an Irishman over his alleged links to drug trafficking website Silk Road.

They want to bring Gary Davis (25) to trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Silk Road, an online 'bazaar' for illegal goods, allows users to spend the virtual currency bitcoin to buy a range of black market items, including drugs, firearms and counterfeit money.

Mr Davis, of Johnstown Court, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, was brought before the High Court in Dublin yesterday where details of the charges were read out.

He is accused in a New York indictment of acting as an administrator of Silk Road using the online alias 'Libertas'.

Detective Sergeant Martin O'Neill informed Mr Justice John Edwards that he met with Mr Davis at Bray courthouse yesterday.

'LIBERTAS'

Det Sgt O'Neill asked the man was he Gary Davis, to which the accused replied "yes". He further asked if he was "also known as Libertas", to which he replied "no", the court heard.

Mr Davis was arrested on foot of a warrant issued by the High Court on January 9. He was shown the warrant as well as a certificate issued on behalf of the Justice Minister and another certificate issued by the US authorities.

The ministerial certificate confirmed a request had been made by the US for extradition.

The accused had been in Bray court where he faced two other matters, Det Sgt O'Neill said.

The judge was informed that Mr Davis already had his passport taken from him and was required to sign on at Greystones garda station three days a week.

Mr Davis was remanded in custody with consent to bail, which was set at his own bond of €100, and an independent surety of €10,000. The matter is due for mention before the High Court on January 21.