A woman and man have been sentenced today – Tuesday – at Dungannon Crown Court for human trafficking offences.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation known as Operation Liverless, which began in 2022 and is the PSNI’s largest human trafficking operation to-date.
The operation, supported by An Garda Síochána, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, the National Crime Agency and Public Prosecution Service, targeted the activities of an organised crime group trafficking women, men and transgender individuals for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Mavie Martins Mariano, aged 51, with an address of Ard Aveen Park, Bessbrook, was sentenced to three years after being convicted for human trafficking, brothel keeping, controlling prostitution, acquiring criminal property, possessing criminal property, and transferring criminal property.
The sentences for each offence will run concurrently with three months to be served in custody and the remaining 33 months to be served on licence.
Gerard Corrigan, aged 66 and from Keeragh Park, Pomeroy, was sentenced to 16 months for each count, to run concurrently for human trafficking, possessing criminal property and transferring criminal property.
The court ordered that eight months be served in custody and eight months on licence.
Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch said: “The two were arrested in November 2022 as part of a major operation to tackle the activities of an organised crime group responsible for trafficking individuals into and around Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“Many of the victims were originally from Brazil. They were brought here, no doubt with false promises of a better life, however ended up as sex workers. They were placed in brothels, right across the country, in Newry, Armagh, Dungannon, Omagh, Cookstown, Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine, Belfast, Aughnacloy, Ballymena and Portrush.
“In total, twenty-seven brothels were identified throughout Northern Ireland during the course of the operation. Thanks to huge collective efforts, all 27 brothels were visited on the day of the arrests, and any potential victims present at the properties were safeguarded. The collaboration involved some 150 officers from several Police Service teams, along with the support of Criminal Justice partners.”
Detective Inspector Miskelly continued: “We believe the victims were specifically targeted due to their vulnerability, namely their lack of English language and their immigration status.
“This is so typical of what human traffickers do. They prey on victims who are in any way vulnerable, and those who are afraid or unable to speak out.
“Victims are used and abused, and treated like commodities. And, in this case, the victims were sexually exploited for the financial gain of others. It’s hard to imagine the fear, pain and humiliation they endured.
“Nothing can undo the nightmare they have gone through. I am appealing to you, if you are being or have been exploited in any way, please speak to us. We will listen to you, we will respect you, and we will support you.
“To others, who may suspect that someone is being controlled in this way and can’t speak up, please do the right thing. We all have a part to play, and your support could end the misery of a victim living right next door.
“If you see or hear any activity that causes you concern, please contact us on 101.
“In an emergency call 999; 101 in a non-emergency; or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.”
Information can also be provided, with complete anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
