Man illegally sold thousands of cigarettes in Galway
A man who was illegally selling cigarettes in Galway as a "top up" to his legitimate source of income has received a one-year suspended prison sentence.
At Galway Circuit Court, Judge Brian O'Callaghan told Kestutis Buivydas to "please refrain from selling cigarettes to your friends".
Buivydas (53), with an address at Carnmore West, Oranmore, pleaded guilty to four offences contrary to the Finance Act: keeping for sale or delivery unstamped tobacco products and evasion of duty on exciseable products.
The court heard that on dates in 2024, Buivydas was observed driving his van to a storage unit at Riverside Industrial Estate on the Tuam Road and making "frequent stops in Galway City".
Following the execution of search warrant, a total of 46,760 cigarettes were found at the storage unit and a further 6,200 cigarettes were seized at the accused's home, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of more than €34,000.
The court was told Buivydas had lived in Ireland for a number of years, had a long history of employment and no previous convictions of any kind.
An investigating officer agreed with prosecuting counsel, Geri Silke BL, that the sale of cigarettes was not the accused's main job and "more of a sideline".
Defence barrister, Ernest White BL, told the court his client fully cooperated with the Revenue investigation and came forward from the District Court on a signed plea of guilty.
The court heard the accused purchased on the Internet sleeves of cigarettes for €35 each and sold them for €40.
Judge Brian O'Callaghan said it appeared the accused committed the offences out of "greed and money making" and as a "top up" to his legitimate hardworking activities.
He said it was clear from the evidence these offences were committed "beyond a close circle of friends" and involved a network.
Judge O'Callaghan said the court also noted the mitigating factors including the early admissions and the accused's cooperation.
Judge O'Callaghan set a headline sentence of two years and a post-mitigation, fully suspended sentence of 12 months.
Buivydas confirmed to the court that he still smoked and Judge O'Callaghan asked him to refrain from selling to friends.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.