Two men are to stand trial for alleged involvement in a £150,000 car purchasing scam across Northern Ireland, a judge has ordered.
Thomas Roberts (30) and Shane McDonagh (25) are accused of defrauding seven victims through bogus online vehicle sales.
The defendants, both of Coppermill Road, Staines in England, were arrested in May last year following a lengthy police investigation.
Detectives revealed previously that the probe related to car purchases arranged on a website.
Sellers were allegedly shown a fake banking app which appeared to show money being transferred into their account.
Meetings took place at locations in Belfast, Derry, Newry, and Co Armagh, according to the police case.
It is claimed that seven vehicles were taken on dates between February and October 2022 with the payments being transferred.
The alleged scam relates to total sales of up to £150,000.
Roberts and McDonagh were detained as they arrived in Northern Ireland by ferry.
They are jointly charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and seven counts of fraud by false representation.
Both men are also accused of possessing criminal property, with Roberts said to have been carrying £5,000 in cash while McDonagh had £2,000 on him.
Appearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a preliminary enquiry, the defendants confirmed they understood the charges against them.
Defence barrister Sean Mullan did not dispute prosecution submissions that there is a prima facie case to answer.
Granting the Crown’s application, District Judge Austin Kennedy told the two accused: “You will be returned for trial on a date to be fixed.”
Roberts and McDonagh remain in custody and will appear in court again for their arraignment.