A defence witness denied yesterday that he was a thief who stole money which was laundered in Ireland and that he and another man were wanted by German police for questioning about blackmail, threats of bodily harm and forgery.
Mr Swen Uwe Palisch (27), a German national giving evidence for a Swiss woman accused of money-laundering, also denied at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that warrants were out for his arrest in Switzerland and Luxembourg.
He also denied that he sought immunity from arrest before he would come to Ireland to give evidence.
Asked by Judge Patrick Moran: "You didn't seek immunity?" Mr Palisch replied: "No. I didn't need it."
State senior counsel Ms Maureen Clarke, at the start of the second day of Mr Palisch's evidence, said: "It's always been the State's case that you are the crook who stole money that was laundered in Ireland. I make no apologies for saying that."
Ms Maria Bernadetta Jehle (47), of The Priory, Cobh, denies two charges of handling money knowing it was the proceeds of others' crime.
Questioned about associates involved in fraud, Mr Palisch said that, as a man involved in big business, he was bound to come into contact sometimes with "forgers" but could only be responsible for his own actions.
Mr Palisch said he was being accused of fraud and asked Judge Moran to state that these accusations were without foundation. Judge Moran said that although Mr Palisch might not like the suggestions and questions, the State was entitled to put them.
The trial continues today.