Latest news with #OrganisedProstitutionInvestigationUnit
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Man jailed for 8 years over organised prostitution in Dublin
A man who organised prostitution across Dublin by leasing out eight properties to be used as brothels has been jailed for eight years. Stelian Ciuciu, 32, posed as part of a couple with another woman, who was working as an escort, to rent properties from unsuspecting landlords, which he then advertised to escorts for their use. He laundered about €320,000 in the process Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Ciuciu used a WhatsApp group containing about 450 members to advertise the properties to escorts and was heavily engaged in the day-to-day upkeep of the premises, as well as regularly advising the escorts to maintain discretion and not draw attention to themselves, Detective Garda Colm Grogan of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit said. Ciuciu, of Brookdale Walk, Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to 20 counts including enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, organising prostitution, brothel-keeping, using false instruments and money laundering. The offences took place in various locations within the state on dates between January 2020 and November 2023. The most serious of these offences -enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation - carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the remaining offences carry maximum terms of between five and 14 years, the court heard. Ciuciu has no previous convictions. Sentencing Ciuciu today, Judge Martin Nolan said he was involved in this organised and "pretty sophisticated" prostitution scheme and his principal role was to rent out the properties, which the prostitutes then used "for their occupation". Judge Nolan acknowledged that Ciuciu entered a plea late in the prosecution of the case but said this was a "very valuable plea" as the trial would have a complicated and lengthy trial involving many witnesses. The judge remarked that substantial profits would have been made from the operation and acknowledged that the gardaí are doing their best to track that money, but he said either Ciuciu "or someone else" profited from the scheme. Judge Nolan set a global headline sentence of 13 years before he considered the various mitigation in the case. He noted that Ciuciu has no previous convictions, has family responsibilities and that his wife and three children are in "pretty impoverished circumstances" since his remand in custody. He acknowledged that Ciuciu has done well in custody since his remand and accepted letters that were handed into the court on his behalf. Judge Nolan imposed a sentence of eight years which was backdated to when Ciuciu first went into custody last November. Ciuciu forfeited the cash which had been seized during the course of the investigation to the State. Similar rental documents Det Gda Grogan told Mark Lynam SC, prosecuting, at a sentence hearing yesterday, that Ciuciu's offences came to light when some landlords came forward with suspicions about what their rented properties were being used for. Gardaí noticed that similar rental documents with Ciuciu's photo, but different names had been used to rent out the properties and Ciuciu was identified and followed. Gardaí followed him to a number of properties that were being used as brothels and some banks where he was lodging cash. When gardaí entered the premises and carried out welfare checks, they found prostitution was taking place in each property, with two or more escorts working there, the court heard. A total of €320,000 was found to be going through Ciuciu's accounts. Det Gda Grogan said this money, which was mostly lodged in cash by Ciuciu, was used to pay the rent for the properties and these accounts did not contain any profits. When he was arrested in November 2023 and his home was searched, a total of €11,000 in cash was seized. When asked by Judge Nolan if gardaí had established what profits Ciuciu made from the enterprise, Det Gda Grogan said in his experience, escorts would pay up to €1,000 a week per property. Investigations are continuing into the whereabouts of the profits Ciuciu would have made, the court heard. The court heard Ciuciu provided fake documents, including fake Romanian identity documents and fake employer references to rent out the properties, which were the subject of the false instrument charges. He and the escort who was posing as his partner provided employer references for a garage and a beauty salon. People in these businesses who were "complicit" in the offending provided fake references when contacted, the court heard. No charges have been made in relation to these people to date. Ciuciu's accomplice, referred to in court as Ms N, has since fled the country, the court heard. In his plea of mitigation, Michael Lynn SC, defending, said Ciuciu, who has lived in Ireland for a number of years, has been in custody since his arrest. His wife and three young children have had difficulties as a result, the court heard. Ciuciu was described in court as a stateless person of Roma origin, who was born in Germany but whose family renounced that citizenship. He has been residing in Ireland legally on the basis that he has a stateless application before the authorities, defence counsel said. He is extremely concerned about his future residence as a consequence of these convictions, Mr Lynn said. Letters of apology from Ciuciu and his wife were handed into court. The court heard he has experienced racism and discrimination and struggled to find work as a result. He is doing well in custody and has engaged in educational courses.
Sunday World
19 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man (32) organised prostitution across Dublin leasing out brothels and laundering €320k
CASE ADJOURNED | Stelian Ciuciu (32) posed as part of a couple with another woman who was working as an escort to rent properties from unsuspecting landlords Stock image Stelian Ciuciu (32) posed as part of a couple with another woman who was working as an escort to rent properties from unsuspecting landlords, which he then advertised to escorts for their use, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. Ciuciu used a WhatsApp group containing about 450 members to advertise the properties to escorts and was heavily engaged in the day-to-day upkeep of the premises, as well as regularly advising the escorts to maintain discretion and not draw attention to themselves, Detective Garda Colm Grogan of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit said. Ciuciu, of Brookdale Walk, Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to 20 counts including enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, organising prostitution, brothel-keeping, using false instruments and money laundering. The offences took place in various locations within the state on dates between January 2020 and November 2023. The most serious of these offences – enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation – carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the remaining offences carry maximum terms of between five and 14 years, the court heard. Ciuciu has no previous convictions. Det Gda Grogan told Mark Lynam SC, prosecuting, that Ciuciu's offences came to light when some landlords came forward with suspicions about what their rented properties were being used for. Gardaí noticed that similar rental documents with Ciuciu's photo but different names had been used to rent out the properties and Ciuciu was identified and followed. Gardaí followed him to a number of properties that were being used as brothels and some banks where he was lodging cash. When gardaí entered the premises and carried out welfare checks, they found prostitution was taking place in each property, with two or more escorts working there, the court heard. A total of €320,000 was found to be going through Ciuciu's accounts. Det Gda Grogan said this money, which was mostly lodged in cash by Ciuciu, was used to pay the rent for the properties and these accounts did not contain any profits. When he was arrested in November 2023 and his home was searched, a total of €11,000 in cash was seized. When asked by Judge Martin Nolan if gardaí had established what profits Ciuciu made from the enterprise, Det Gda Grogan said in his experience, escorts would pay up to €1,000 a week per property. Investigations are continuing into the whereabouts of the profits Ciuciu would have made, the court heard. The court heard Ciuciu provided fake documents, including fake Romanian identity documents and fake employer references to rent out the properties, which were the subject of the false instrument charges. He and the escort who was posing as his partner provided employer references for a garage and a beauty salon. People in these businesses who were 'complicit' in the offending provided fake references when contacted, the court heard. No charges have been made in relation to these people to date. Ciuciu's accomplice, referred to in court as Ms N, has since fled the country, the court heard. In his plea of mitigation, Michael Lynn SC, defending, said Ciuciu, who has lived in Ireland for a number of years, has been in custody since his arrest. His wife and three young children have had difficulties as a result, the court heard. Ciuciu was described in court as a stateless person of Roma origin, who was born in Germany but whose family renounced that citizenship. He has been residing in Ireland legally on the basis that he has a stateless application before the authorities, defence counsel said. He is extremely concerned about his future residence as a consequence of these convictions, Mr Lynn said. Letters of apology from Ciuciu and his wife were handed into court. The court heard he has experienced racism and discrimination and struggled to find work as a result. He is doing well in custody and has engaged in educational courses. Judge Nolan adjourned the case to tomorrow and said he would finalise the matter then. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd
The Journal
20 hours ago
- The Journal
Man who organised prostitution across Dublin leased out eight properties as brothels, court hears
A MAN WHO organised prostitution across Dublin leased out eight properties to be used as brothels, money laundering about €320,000 in the process, a court has heard. Stelian Ciuciu (32) posed as part of a couple with another woman who was working as an escort to rent properties from unsuspecting landlords, which he then advertised to escorts for their use, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. Ciuciu used a WhatsApp group containing about 450 members to advertise the properties to escorts and was heavily engaged in the day-to-day upkeep of the premises, as well as regularly advising the escorts to maintain discretion and not draw attention to themselves, Detective Garda Colm Grogan of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit said. Ciuciu, of Brookdale Walk, Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to 20 counts including enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, organising prostitution, brothel-keeping, using false instruments and money laundering. The offences took place in various locations within the state on dates between January 2020 and November 2023. The most serious of these offences – enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation – carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the remaining offences carry maximum terms of between five and 14 years, the court heard. Ciuciu has no previous convictions. Det Gda Grogan told Mark Lynam SC, prosecuting, that Ciuciu's offences came to light when some landlords came forward with suspicions about what their rented properties were being used for. Gardaí noticed that similar rental documents with Ciuciu's photo but different names had been used to rent out the properties and Ciuciu was identified and followed. Gardaí followed him to a number of properties that were being used as brothels and some banks where he was lodging cash. When gardaí entered the premises and carried out welfare checks, they found prostitution was taking place in each property, with two or more escorts working there, the court heard. A total of €320,000 was found to be going through Ciuciu's accounts. Det Gda Grogan said this money, which was mostly lodged in cash by Ciuciu, was used to pay the rent for the properties and these accounts did not contain any profits. When he was arrested in November 2023 and his home was searched, a total of €11,000 in cash was seized. Advertisement When asked by Judge Martin Nolan if gardaí had established what profits Ciuciu made from the enterprise, Det Gda Grogan said in his experience, escorts would pay up to €1,000 a week per property. Investigations are continuing into the whereabouts of the profits Ciuciu would have made, the court heard. The court heard Ciuciu provided fake documents, including fake Romanian identity documents and fake employer references to rent out the properties, which were the subject of the false instrument charges. He and the escort who was posing as his partner provided employer references for a garage and a beauty salon. People in these businesses who were 'complicit' in the offending provided fake references when contacted, the court heard. No charges have been made in relation to these people to date. Ciuciu's accomplice, referred to in court as Ms N, has since fled the country, the court heard. In his plea of mitigation, Michael Lynn SC, defending, said Ciuciu, who has lived in Ireland for a number of years, has been in custody since his arrest. His wife and three young children have had difficulties as a result, the court heard. Ciuciu was described in court as a stateless person of Roma origin, who was born in Germany but whose family renounced that citizenship. He has been residing in Ireland legally on the basis that he has a stateless application before the authorities, defence counsel said. He is extremely concerned about his future residence as a consequence of these convictions, Lynn said. Letters of apology from Ciuciu and his wife were handed into court. The court heard he has experienced racism and discrimination and struggled to find work as a result. He is doing well in custody and has engaged in educational courses. Judge Nolan adjourned the case to tomorrow and said he would finalise the matter then.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (32) to be sentenced later for organising prostitution and brothel keeping
A man who organised prostitution across Dublin leased out eight properties to be used as brothels, money laundering about €320,000 in the process, a court has heard. Stelian Ciuciu (32) posed as part of a couple with another woman who was working as an escort to rent properties from unsuspecting landlords, which he then advertised to escorts for their use, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday. Advertisement Ciuciu used a WhatsApp group containing about 450 members to advertise the properties to escorts and was heavily engaged in the day-to-day upkeep of the premises, as well as regularly advising the escorts to maintain discretion and not draw attention to themselves, Detective Garda Colm Grogan of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit said. Ciuciu, of Brookdale Walk, Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to 20 counts, including enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, organising prostitution, brothel-keeping, using false instruments and money laundering. The offences took place in various locations within the state on dates between January 2020 and November 2023. The most serious of these offences – enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation – carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the remaining offences carry maximum terms of between five and 14 years, the court heard. Ciuciu has no previous convictions. Advertisement Det Gda Grogan told Mark Lynam SC, prosecuting, that Ciuciu's offences came to light when some landlords came forward with suspicions about what their rented properties were being used for. Gardaí noticed that similar rental documents with Ciuciu's photo but different names had been used to rent out the properties, and Ciuciu was identified and followed. Gardaí followed him to a number of properties that were being used as brothels and some banks where he was lodging cash. When gardaí entered the premises and carried out welfare checks, they found prostitution was taking place in each property, with two or more escorts working there, the court heard. A total of €320,000 was found to be going through Ciuciu's accounts. Det Gda Grogan said this money, which was mostly lodged in cash by Ciuciu, was used to pay the rent for the properties, and these accounts did not contain any profits. When he was arrested in November 2023 and his home was searched, a total of €11,000 in cash was seized. Advertisement When asked by Judge Martin Nolan if gardaí had established what profits Ciuciu made from the enterprise, Det Gda Grogan said in his experience, escorts would pay up to €1,000 a week per property. Investigations are continuing into the whereabouts of the profits Ciuciu would have made, the court heard. The court heard Ciuciu provided fake documents, including fake Romanian identity documents and fake employer references, to rent out the properties, which were the subject of the false instrument charges. He and the escort, who was posing as his partner, provided employer references for a garage and a beauty salon. People in these businesses who were 'complicit' in the offending provided fake references when contacted, the court heard. No charges have been made in relation to these people to date. Ciuciu's accomplice, referred to in court as Ms N, has since fled the country, the court heard. Advertisement In his plea of mitigation, Michael Lynn SC, defending, said Ciuciu, who has lived in Ireland for a number of years, has been in custody since his arrest. His wife and three young children have had difficulties as a result, the court heard. Ireland Man (24) who fatally stabbed sister's partner foun... Read More Ciuciu was described in court as a stateless person of Roma origin, who was born in Germany but whose family renounced that citizenship. He has been residing in Ireland legally on the basis that he has a stateless application before the authorities, defence counsel said. He is extremely concerned about his future residence as a consequence of these convictions, Mr Lynn said. Letters of apology from Ciuciu and his wife were handed into court. The court heard he has experienced racism and discrimination and struggled to find work as a result. He is doing well in custody and has engaged in educational courses. Judge Nolan adjourned the case to Wednesday and said he would finalise the matter then.
Sunday World
11-07-2025
- Sunday World
Gardai interview 179 sex workers in 92 brothels as part of human trafficking crack down
A total of 5,421 passengers were also inspected arriving at Dublin Airport The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport Gardai inspected brothels 'in every major town and city in Ireland' as part of a major world-wide operation targeting human trafficking. The force revealed how they interviewed 179 sex workers in 92 brothels and inspected 5,421 passengers on 37 flights at Dublin Airport over the course of just one week last month. One man was arrested for sexual exploitation and forced criminality. 'This person was detained at Monaghan Garda Station under Organised Crime legislation,' a Garda spokesperson said. 'At the conclusion of his detention, a charge for Human Trafficking Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 was directed by the DPP 'He appeared before Monaghan District Court on Wednesday, June 11 where he was remanded in custody. A full file is now being compiled for the DPP.' Between June 1 and 6, gardai along with other law enforcement partners worldwide, participated in Operation Global Chain. The operation focused on detecting and disrupting organised crime groups involved in trafficking of human beings, 'in particular child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging'. The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport News in 90 Seconds - July 11th Gardai added: 'Over the week, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau liaised with Divisional Protective Services Units across Ireland and coordinated an intensive week of welfare visits to suspected brothels to detect potential incidents of sexual exploitation. The 179 sex workers who were interviewed were from Brazil, Romania, Spain, China, Dominican Republic, Poland, Latvia, Colombia, Taiwan, Panama, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Ireland. 'No victims of human trafficking were detected,' gardai added, 'however they were provided with information and advice should they wish to speak to An Garda Síochána further.' As part of the operation, 37 flights were monitored at Dublin Airport on Thursday, June 5 and Friday 6. Members of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit caried out 'enhanced law enforcement checks with the Border Management Unit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration'. A total of 5,421 passengers were inspected arriving at Dublin Airport. Gardai added that they will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners in the identification of new victims 'so they can be also removed from harm'. Gardai are also appealing to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them. They can do this, either at a local Garda station, or by calling the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111. 'An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects to come forward,' the spokesperson added. 'Any contacts with An Garda Síochána will be treated in the utmost confidence.' Further details on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found at Gardai added: 'Human trafficking is a crime and a serious human rights violation. It occurs all over the world, including in Ireland. It takes many different forms and may be present in any community, nationwide. Ireland is taking significant steps to combat human trafficking and respond to the needs of victims, at home and with our partners.'
