A Brazilian man accused of leasing properties around Ireland for organised prostitution and sexual exploitation of vulnerable women has been refused bail after a court heard claims he was "a member of a major criminal organisation".
Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, 52, with no fixed address in Ireland, was arrested at Dublin Airport on Thursday by detectives from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
It follows a "multi-jurisdictional" investigation, with 1,500 exhibits, and was predicated on the allegations of two women who allegedly came forward.
Judge Anthony Halpin heard they made complaints to gardaí who believe Mr Ribeiro had a "vital role".
He is accused of 16 offences between 2017 and 2020.
Six counts were for deception by allegedly leasing six properties in Ballymahon, Co Longford, Kildare Town, Tullow, Co Carlow, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, and Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, and in Roscommon Town, for his own gain.
Eight were for using bills or Italian passports in other names as false instruments to secure leases.
The final two were money laundering charges.
The offences, on conviction, carry maximum sentences between five and 14 years, and may face "further more serious charges".
Mr Ribeiro appeared before Judge Halpin at Dublin District Court this evening and faced a garda application to remand him in custody due to flight risk fears and the seriousness of the case.
Judge Halpin said: "I cannot tailor conditions that will satisfy this court in relation to this matter to grant bail. I just can't fathom what conditions would satisfy me having regard to the nature of the bail application."
He agreed with Detective Sergeant John Ryan, who moved the bail objection, that "the defendant represents a huge flight risk".
Mr Ribeiro, who has not indicated a plea, claimed, via an interpreter, that he would stay in the country pending trial and would be able to live with his ex-wife in Co Galway.
Judge Halpin remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on 23 November pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
