Romanian People Traffickers Jailed

Three men have been sent to prison in Romania after being found guilty of trafficking Romanian nationals into Ireland for labour exploitation.

Remus Fusteac, 41, faces seven years, while his son Arthur Sergiu, 21, and nephew Alexandru Fuste, 20, were both sentenced to five years in prison.

All three men were found guilty of human trafficking, running an organised crime syndicate, money laundering and possession of firearms. During the trial they were convicted of being involved in the trafficking of 28 people to Co Wexford between 2006 and 2008 where they had to work long hours, with a debt of €25,000 to pay.

The men were arrested and charged as part of a joint investigation by the Garda Immigration Bureau and the Romanian Police.

The Fusteac family controlled a criminal gang whose operations centred on smuggling people, including at least one child, to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

Gardaí have identified at least 28 people trafficked into the country, while the gang is estimated to have made over €100,000 in two years

The victims paid €2,500 to be smuggled into Ireland on the promise of jobs which paid €2,000 a week. They were never paid that much, but most of the money they earned here had to be handed over to the traffickers.

Many of the victims lived in squalor and worked from as early as 5am to midnight seven days a week.

The gang was broken up following an investigation by Gardaí from Wexford and the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

They set up Operation Sibling, which involved the Romanian police and a series of raids were carried out in Enniscorthy, Clonroche and Knockmore.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern today welcomed the co-operation between the Garda and the Romanian authorities which led to the convictions being secured.

(DW/KMcA)