Two sentenced after PSNI's largest human trafficking operation uncovered 27 brothels

Two people have been sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court following Operation Liverless, the PSNI’s largest human trafficking investigation to date. The operation uncovered 27 brothels across Northern Ireland and involved around 150 officers and criminal justice partners.

Two sentenced over Northern Ireland human trafficking offences

A man and woman have been sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court following a major Northern Ireland human trafficking investigation that identified 27 brothels across the country.

Mavia Martins Mariano, aged 51, from Belleek, and Gerard Corrigan, aged 66, from Pomeroy, were sentenced on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

The sentences followed Operation Liverless, an investigation launched in 2022 which the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) describes as its largest human trafficking operation to date.

The investigation targeted an organised crime group trafficking women, men and transgender individuals for sexual exploitation.

The operation received support from An Garda Síochána, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, the National Crime Agency and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

What sentences were handed down?

Mavia Martins Mariano sentenced to three years

Mavia Martins Mariano, 51, from Belleek, was sentenced to three years after being convicted of several offences, including:

• Human trafficking
• Brothel keeping
• Controlling prostitution
• Acquiring criminal property
• Possessing criminal property
• Transferring criminal property

Her sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.

The court ordered that three months be served in custody, with the remaining 33 months on licence.

Gerard Corrigan sentenced to 16 months

Gerard Corrigan, 66, from Pomeroy, received concurrent 16-month sentences for human trafficking, possessing criminal property and transferring criminal property.

He was ordered to serve eight months in custody followed by eight months on licence.

Operation Liverless uncovered 27 brothels across Northern Ireland

The two were arrested in November 2022 during a major operation against an organised crime group involved in sexual exploitation.

According to the PSNI’s official statement, investigators identified 27 brothels across Northern Ireland.

Properties associated with the investigation were located in Newry, Armagh, Dungannon, Omagh, Cookstown, Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine, Belfast, Aughnacloy, Ballymena and Portrush.

All 27 brothels were visited on the day of the arrests, allowing officers to safeguard potential victims found at the properties.

The operation involved approximately 150 police officers from several PSNI teams, supported by criminal justice partners.

Victims targeted because of their vulnerability

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly, from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch, said many of those exploited were originally from Brazil.

Police believe traffickers deliberately targeted people with limited English-language skills and insecure immigration circumstances.

According to Detective Inspector Miskelly, victims were brought to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with promises of a better life before being placed in brothels.

She said traffickers prey on vulnerable individuals, particularly those who fear speaking out or believe they have nowhere to turn.

The detective described how victims were sexually exploited for the financial benefit of others and treated “like commodities”.

She urged anyone currently experiencing exploitation, or anyone who has experienced it previously, to contact police.

Police appeal for information about human trafficking

The PSNI has encouraged members of the public to report suspected human trafficking, modern slavery and sexual exploitation.

Detective Inspector Miskelly said people who suspect someone is being controlled or exploited could help bring an end to their suffering by reporting their concerns.

Anyone with information about suspected trafficking can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Other ways to report suspected exploitation

The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline provides confidential advice and support to potential victims and people concerned about exploitation.

• Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
• Online reporting: Report suspected modern slavery
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
• Anonymous online reporting: Crimestoppers

Recognising the signs of human trafficking

Human trafficking can involve sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and other forms of abuse.

Victims may face threats, intimidation, restricted movement or financial control.

The National Crime Agency provides further guidance on recognising potential exploitation and reporting concerns.

Anyone who suspects a person is being exploited should avoid confronting suspected traffickers directly. Instead, report concerns to police or a specialist support organisation.

For more Northern Ireland crime and court reports, visit Northern Ireland Online News.

Source: Police Service of Northern Ireland – Man and woman sentenced for human trafficking offences, 20 October 2026.