Human trafficking: Two appear in court after PSNI raid 27 brothels in Northern Ireland

Gerard Corrigan, 62, from Park View, Pomeroy and Maive Martins Mariano, 47, from Rockview Crescent, Belleek, county Armagh have been charged with brothel keeping, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.

The offences allegedly occurred between 23 March 2020 and 21 November 2022.

On Monday, 27 brothels were raided as part of an multi agency operation.

Some 150 officers were involved in what has been described as the biggest operation against human trafficking the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has carried out to date.

Most of the victims, which included women and transgender individuals, were mostly from Brazil.

Police believe they were targeted due to their immigration status and lack of English language skills.

The court was told financial enquiries revealed a large amount of money in the region of £174,000 was transferred between the two suspects.

CCTV footage has shown Gerard Corrigan allegedly involved in transporting persons on many instances to brothels and Mariano is believed to have arranged accommodation for escorts in return for money.

She has admitted being in regular contact with escorts and arranging short-terms rentals for sex-work and making financial gain.

The detective however pointed out, “We believe the parties are so involved if they were released, they would reoffend immediately in this activity.

“We suspect they are part of a wider organised crime gang who are actively being investigated by our colleagues. As part of that a female recently presented to police indicating she was a victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

Mr Corrigan's defence pointed out he has a clear record and is in very poor health, for which he receives state benefits.

The detective confirmed he made “partial admissions” when interviewed, although the defence argued these were “very substantial admissions.”

Referring to Ms Mariano, the detective described her as “the suspected driving force behind the operation in Northern Ireland”.

Her defence claimed women would come to her asking them to make bookings for her due to language issues and for this she would receive around £50.

District Judge Peter Magill refused bail for both accused and they will appear again by video-link again on 21 December.

A 37-year-old woman arrested in Londonderry on Tuesday night on suspicion of offences, including human trafficking and money laundering, has been released on bail.