US makes extradition request to Ireland for porn suspect

The United States has formally requested the extradition of a man in Ireland described by the FBI as being the "largest facilitator of child porn on the planet".

Eric Eoin Marques is wanted over four charges linked to website images described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children.

The 28-year-old, who has Irish and US citizenship, appeared before the High Court in Dublin today where extradition proceedings are under way.

Patrick McGrath, senior council for the Attorney General of Ireland, said the accused was wanted in connection with the advertising and distribution of child pornography, and conspiracy to advertise and distribute. The charges date from 24 July 2008 to 29 July 2013 – two days before his arrest.

He is accused of being the sole administrator of a hosting server where multiple websites were held and pornographic images were shared. He denies the charges.

A FBI special agent previously told the court the suspect, who has an address on Mountjoy Square in Dublin's north inner city, is accused of being "the largest facilitator of child porn on the planet". If convicted in the US he faces up to 30 years in prison.

Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns adjourned the case until 11 September and remanded Mr Marques in custody.