A 54-year-old Brazilian man, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, who was arrested at Dublin Airport in November 2023 for operating a network of brothels across rural Ireland, was in court to answer questions on child sex abuse material. While he was already in court for various offences, the latest charges followed an extensive investigation into human trafficking and illegal prostitution in multiple counties, including Longford, Kildare, Cavan, Wexford, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Carlow.
Ribeiro had been securing rental properties under false identities using forged Italian documents and fraudulent utility bills. These properties were then converted into brothels, with unsuspecting landlords leasing to him under the assumption that he was a legitimate tenant. A financial investigation revealed that he controlled multiple Irish bank accounts linked to the proceeds of crime, with a total sum of approximately €788,982.
The case came to light after two women reported being trafficked, prompting a deeper investigation by the Garda Human Trafficking and Co-ordination Unit. Authorities subsequently linked Ribeiro to at least ten properties used for prostitution between 2018 and 2023. The discovery of nine images and sixteen videos of child sexual abuse material on his phone further intensified the charges against him.
After his court appearance, the case was adjourned to next week, March 21st, when a plea of mitigation is expected to be heard.
Ribeiro remains in custody as legal proceedings continue. His case has reignited discussions surrounding immigration and crime in Ireland, particularly at a time when tensions are already high due to the ongoing housing crisis. With housing shortages leaving many Irish citizens struggling to secure accommodation, an influx of foreign nationals has contributed to increased public frustration. Incidents such as Ribeiro’s arrest have fueled anti-immigrant sentiments, leading to protests and heightened unrest across the country.
Background and Arrest
- Residence and Origin: Ribeiro is from Brazil and has been living in Ireland since 2009.
- Arrest: He was arrested at Dublin Airport on November 16, 2023, upon returning from Brazil. The arrest was made by the Garda Human Trafficking and Co-ordination Unit.
Charges and Offenses
- Charges: Ribeiro faced a 60-count indictment, pleading guilty to 19 sample counts. These include using false instruments, inducing landlords to rent properties to him, and possession of the proceeds of crime. He also pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.
- Offenses: The offenses spanned from 2010 to 2023 and involved renting properties across rural Ireland under false pretenses for use as brothels. He used fake documents, including an Italian passport and utility bills, to secure leases.
Investigation and Evidence
- Investigation: The case was part of a wider investigation initiated after two women came forward with allegations of trafficking. Gardaí linked 10 rental properties to Ribeiro, with locations in Longford, Kildare, Cavan, Wexford, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Carlow.
- Financial Evidence: Bank accounts in Ribeiro’s name or under his control contained nearly €800,000, deemed proceeds of crime.
Legal Proceedings
- Bail Refusal: Initially, Ribeiro was refused bail due to concerns about flight risk and the seriousness of the case.
- Current Status: Ribeiro has been in custody since his arrest and is awaiting a plea of mitigation hearing scheduled for March 21, 2025.
This case highlights the complexities of human trafficking and organized crime in Ireland, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing these issues.
