Catherine The Fake

From florist to fraudster, leaving a trail of destruction from North Cork, to Waterford, to Clare, to Wexford and through the midlands ... learn how mistress of re-invention, Catherine O'Brien, scammed her way around rural Ireland.

<p class="contextmenu Body Body">In February 2022, a decision was made in favour of the Criminal Assets Bureau, allowing the retention by the State of a 2015-registered Land Rover Discovery which the High Court ruled was purchased through the proceeds of “criminal frauds” by Catherine O’Brien. Picture: Irish Mail on Sunday</p>

munster

False documents erected on gate of Catherine O'Brien's Waterford home

It is understood the notice claiming to be a High Court order has been removed by gardaí

spotlight

Catherine the Fake podcast: The story of florist turned fraudster Catherine O’Brien

<p>Gardaí believe Buttevant native Catherine O'Brien, who has an address in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, has gone abroad after spending a number of months in the North. Picture: the Irish Mail on Sunday</p>

news

Horses seized in operation targeting alleged fraudster Catherine O'Brien 'should be rehomed'

news

Catherine O'Brien trail leads to Slovakia

court and crime

Prosecution unwilling to pursue case for absent Catherine O'Brien

spotlight

Catherine O'Brien 'was top class', says businessman who had narrow escape from fraudster

Catherine the Fake podcast: Tall tales in Co Tipperary

How Catherine O'Brien convinced a desperate property owner she was in the pay of an Emirati prince who could solve their money worries

Sun, 01 Jan, 2023

Catherine the Fake Q&A podcast special: Who is she, and why should people care?

In this special edition podcast, we seek to answer the question 'who is Catherine O'Brien' – and many others

Wed, 28 Dec, 2022

Catherine the Fake: How O'Brien took elderly Waterford woman to Vatican and conned her out of €300k

A strong bond formed over a love of art and antiques led Marie O'Shea to a dream visit to the Pope with Catherine O'Brien who she treated like a daughter. However, a series of unpaid loans over the years would break that link, writes Ann Murphy

Wed, 28 Dec, 2022

Charity has spent €250k caring for 25 horses seized from alleged fraudster Catherine O’Brien

The charity is hoping that new legislation going through the Oireachtas will include equine welfare

Tue, 27 Dec, 2022

Bid to enforce instalment order on alleged fraudster Catherine O’Brien fails

Order required her to clear a debt judgement of almost €300,000 through weekly instalments of €10,000

Sun, 18 Dec, 2022

Catherine O’Brien's judicial review of animal welfare conviction set for July

The proceedings relate to her conviction, in her absence, on more than 30 counts of animal welfare breaches

Tue, 29 Nov, 2022

Court to hear Catherine O’Brien judicial review case

Catherine O’Brien's case is up for mention before Mr Justice Charles Meenan.

Tue, 29 Nov, 2022

Catherine the Fake: Horse trainers across Ireland 'owed money by O'Brien'

Ms O’Brien is currently sought by gardaí investigating complaints from people alleging fraudulent activities by her.

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

Alleged fraudster Catherine O'Brien disqualified from racing horses in her name

The Irish Examiner's continuing investigation into the activities of 'Catherine the Fake' reveal Horse Racing Ireland has disqualified her from racing horses

Mon, 14 Nov, 2022

Catherine the Fake: How Clare became a playground for the fraudster

Catherine O'Brien has left a trail of destruction in her wake, from the west coast, across the Midlands and south, to the east coast. Ann Murphy speaks to some of the people affected by her crimes

Sun, 13 Nov, 2022

Catherine the Fake podcasts and extra content

Listen to Irish Examiner journalist, Ann Murphy's podcast series and learn how mistress of re-invention, Catherine O'Brien, scammed her way around rural Ireland. Enjoy extra interviews audio and video.

Wed, 09 Nov, 2022

French authorities investigating forged certificates allegedly linked to Catherine O'Brien

Ms O’Brien is currently the subject of an arrest warrant, after she was convicted in her absence of breaches of animal welfare legislation

Sun, 06 Nov, 2022

Catherine the Fake: O'Brien wrote to Polish horse buyers claiming animal was stolen

Catherine O’Brien, who has an address in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, is wanted for questioning by gardaí investigating allegations of fraud in the sale of horses in the past three to four years.

Fri, 28 Oct, 2022

The Mick Clifford Podcast — Ann Murphy on the Catherine the Fake investigation

Catherine O’Brien has had a varied business career flitting between law, the florist business, a veterinary products company and moving in the bloodstock world.

Thu, 27 Oct, 2022

Catherine the Fake: The fraudster being hunted by gardaí who left a trail of destruction

Florist, solicitor, publican, horse trader... Buttevant woman Catherine O'Brien has had many guises, but they all have one thing in common — an ability to make people believe they can make money with her. Ann Murphy follows the trail of destruction left in the wanted woman's wake

Tue, 25 Oct, 2022

Catherine the Fake: Who is the Cork woman at the centre of six fraud investigations?

Catherine O’Brien, originally from Buttevant but with an address in Dungarvan is wanted for questioning by gardaí investigating allegations of fraud in the sale of horses in the past three to four years

Fri, 21 Oct, 2022

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