Pair accused of human trafficking refused bail

Gerald Corrigan (62) from Park View, Pomeroy, and Mavie Martins Mariano (47) from Rockview Crescent, Belleeks, Co Armagh, were both remanded in custody until December 21.

The pair are jointly charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of other persons with a view to them being exploited, controlling them in prostitution for financial gain, brothel-keeping, acquiring and concealing criminal property, namely cash and entering into an arrangement to facilitate the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.

The alleged offences happened between March 23, 2020 and November 21 this year, and are part of a wider investigation across the United Kingdom.

Connecting them to the charges, a detective constable told the court that a pro-active operation has been underway into human trafficking and sexual exploitation of vulnerable persons around Northern Ireland by the accused.

She said financial enquiries have revealed a large amount of money in the region of £174,000 transferred between the two suspects.

CCTV footage has shown 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 arranges short-terms rentals for sex-work and making financial gain.

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

He pointed out that he was acting as a taxi-driver for the adult women, transferring them to different locations and would charge them £40-£60 for fuel.

Continuing, the detective described Mariano as “the suspected driving force behind the operation in Northern Ireland”.

Her lawyer 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.

Bail was objected to by police and District Judge Peter Magill remarked that it is an “ongoing investigation” and remanded the pair in custody to appear by video link at Dungannon Court next month.