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Woman accused of more than 100 prostitution-related offences is granted bail

Ms Cucoranu is charged with 109 offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023.

Today at 13:16

AN alleged brothel keeper has taken up bail after being charged with organised crime and more than 100 prostitution-related offences, a court heard.

Lenuta Andreea Cucoranu (29) who was arrested after “vulnerable” sex workers were discovered in multiple garda raids last year is facing trial and had her case further adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Ms Cucoranu is charged with 109 offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023.

She is accused of 20 counts of organisation of prostitution, 20 brothel keeping, 17 money laundering, seven thefts, 44 counts of using false documents and one of participating in organised crime.

Ms Cucoranu had been remanded in custody at Dublin District Court last week, as bail can only be granted at High Court level on this charge.

At her latest appearance before Judge Monika Leech in the district court, her solicitor Wayne Kenny said the accused had “since taken up bail” after successfully applying to the High Court.

Mr Kenny said there was a “substantial amount” of charges and the defence was consenting to an adjournment for service of a book of evidence. The accused will be sent forward to a higher court for trial when this is ready.

Detective Garda Michelle Woods of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit asked Judge Leech for an eight-week adjournment and the judge remanded the accused on continuing bail to April 15, extending the time required for the preparation of the book of evidence.

The DPP has already directed trial on indictment on all counts.

Previously, Det Gda Woods said Ms Cucoranu made no comment when the charges were put to her.

In a contested bail hearing when she first came before the district court last April, Det Sgt Lambe said it was alleged the accused leased properties “for the purpose of organising prostitution and operating them as brothels.”

They were allegedly leased using “specific false documents.”

According to gardai, cash was lodged by the accused and subsequently transferred to landlords.

It was alleged that habitual prostitution was occurring at the properties, with more than one person operating as a prostitute at each address.

The money laundering charges related to €12,000 in alleged crime proceeds.

The accused, from Romania, was not married, had no children, came to Ireland in 2012 and had no employment history, the court heard.

It was a “complex and protracted investigation,” and there would be a significant number of witnesses – in excess of 45 “vulnerable individuals working in the sex trade,” Detective Sergeant Andrew Lambe said.

Under bail conditions set by the district court, the accused must not be involved in organised prostitution or brothel keeping and to have no contact with any sex worker subject of the investigation, or any landlord allegedly involved.