A man who ran 8 brothels across Dublin on dates from 2020 to 2022 has been sentenced to 8 years in jail.
Stelain Ciuciu (33) of Brooke Dalewalk, Swords, Co. Dublin appeared before the Circuit Criminal Court this yesterday where he pleaded guilty to numerous charges related to the running of brothels in Dublin, the use of false instruments, and money laundering.
The accused, who is “stateless” and was given leave to remain in Ireland after making an asylum claim, ran 8 brothels across Dublin with the assistance of another individual who left the state after becoming aware of the Garda investigation.
A number of the eight premises were located in Ballymun, Santry, Clondalkin, Tallaght, and Citywest,
Case Background
Detective Garda Colm Grogan of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit of An Garda Síochána gave evidence that Ciuciu, who was born in Germany, used false Romanian ID, false landlord references, and false work references to rent the properties from unsuspecting landlords.
Together with his accomplice, Ms. N, he oversaw the running of the brothels where 2-3 “escorts” were operating, each paying approximately € 700-€ 1,000 in rent to the accused weekly.
In order to rent the properties, Ciuciu and Ms. N – also an escort – would pose as a married couple, the court heard.
Investigation
After Gardaí received information about suspicious activities in respect of the properties in 2022, an investigation was launched by way of which the accused was followed around Dublin where he was observed going from property to poetry and depositing cash into 4 different bank accounts which was used to pay the rent on the houses.
Ciuciu used 3 different Romania aliases and submitted a false Romanian identity document to the Department of Social Protection.
Most of his false identity documents were digital, where his photo had been altered by a third party who would manufacture them.
In respect of his false work references, the court heard that there were individuals who were “complicit to some extent” within the businesses who would vouch for the accused if a landlord rang to check his references.
After Gardaí established that prostitution was taking place at the addresses a search warrant was executed in respect of the accused’s address in Swords, Dublin.
Detective Grogan told the court that Ciuciu was in a WhatApp group chat that had 430 members which was used to communicate with members of the “escort community” to inform them of properties available to rent.
Ciuciu had a “very small legitimate income” of less than €1,000 which he earned through a recruitment company although he has been in Ireland “for many years” his defending counsel, Michael Lynn SC said.
His PAYE records showed he had “no legitimate income of any substance” although he was depositing thousands of euros across 4 bank accounts, in order to pay rent on the properties, which totalled €320,000.
The activities related to the organisation of prostitution went on from 2020 until his arrest in November 2023.
Background of accused
Ciuciu, who is of “Roma ethnicity” made an asylum application in Ireland which is yet incomplete, although he has a “stamp 4” residency permit and is in the state legally, the court heard.
He also has “extended family” in Ireland including his father who is terminally ill with kidney cancer.
Ciuciu’s wife, who was present in court, has now left the home the couple shared in Swords and is living in homeless accommodation in Malahide.
Although her husband is stateless, Alexandra Ciuciu is a Romanian national, the court heard.
Mr. Lynn argued that his client’s guilty plea was of value as the case was complicated and would have required the calling of various witnesses.
He has been a “model prisoner” and is volunteering with the Samaritans as a listener, Mr. Lynn said.
Judge Martin Nolan heard that the maximum sentence for the charge of organising prostitution for the purpose of promoting a criminal organisation is 15 years, the maximum sentence for organizing prostitution is 10 years, and the maximum sentence for money laundering is 14 years.
Judge Nolan was handed letters written by the accused and his wife respectively outlining their circumstance, and the difficulty that will be caused by Ciuciu’s continued detention in respect of their 3 young children.
The accused’s letter outlined “racism and discrimination” he claims to have faced in Ireland, as well as his difficulties in “coming here claiming asylum,” Mr. Lynn said.
Passing sentence this afternoon, Judge Nolan said that the accused had engaged in a criminal enterprise by which “substantial profits” had been made.
He noted that Gardaí are still trying to establish what happened the proceeds of the criminal behaviour.
Setting a headline sentence of 12-13 years, he jailed Ciuciu for 8 years to be backdated to the 23rd of November 2023 to reflect the time he has already spent in custody.