DUBLIN — A woman in her 20s is being questioned by gardaí this afternoon over an alleged deception against a third-level institution, understood to be University College Dublin (UCD).
The woman was arrested yesterday afternoon and is being detained at a south Dublin garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, allowing up to 24 hours of questioning. Gardaí carried out a search and seized electronic devices and other items.
The Background
The investigation began last year after UCD reported that a graphic photo of a woman was emailed to more than 170 academic staff and students on 22 April 2025.
A medical student at the college claimed she was raped three years prior and that an explicit image was taken in the aftermath and circulated without her knowledge or consent.
Academic Dispute
Following the alleged rape, the student failed to pass all second-year medical modules. UCD required her to remediate six incomplete modules. She challenged this in the High Court, claiming the university failed to make reasonable allowances after the alleged assault and subsequent pregnancy, forcing her to choose between studies and healthcare.
The High Court rejected her claim. Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger found UCD's support measures "entirely lawful and proper" and ruled the college was entitled to require her to follow an academic plan.
The student appealed to the Court of Appeal, which heard arguments yesterday and reserved judgment.
Current Investigation
Garda headquarters confirmed the arrest is for alleged deception against a third-level institution contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. The outcome of questioning will determine whether charges are brought.