Two men jailed for 24 years for human trafficking

Two men from Eastern Europe have been sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison for their roles in a human trafficking operation that exploited seven victims for labor. Georgijs Poniza, 37, from Latvia, and Armen Pogosyan, 30, from Uzbekistan (of Armenian nationality), pleaded guilty to charges including human trafficking, money laundering, and forgery. Their crimes occurred between December 2020 and October 2023.

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You provided them with extremely substandard accommodation, completely inadequate winter heating, minimal privacy and no proper bedding.

The victims, including one woman and six men aged between their 40s and 60s, were lured from Latvia with deceptive promises of employment, good salaries, accommodation, and a "better life" in Ireland. The court heard that the accused effectively stole approximately €750,000 in wages from these individuals. Victims described their ordeal in harrowing terms, with one stating, "it was like a slave trade," and another reporting being "treated like a slave and an animal."

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it was like a slave trade

Judge John Alymer highlighted the significant planning, threats, and menace employed against the victims and their families back home. He noted the severe psychological harm and ongoing impact on the victims, pointing out that serious medical conditions, including epilepsy, were ignored. The accused preyed on vulnerable individuals living in impoverished conditions, offering "extremely substandard accommodation, completely inadequate winter heating, minimal privacy and no proper bedding."

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treated like a slave and an animal

Both men received sentences of 13 years, with the final two years suspended. Judge Alymer described Pogosyan as an "enthusiastic assistant" who acted under Poniza's direction, noting that Pogosyan appeared less violent and had good work engagement prior to offending. Poniza, who entered a late plea, had no previous convictions and made some admissions during interviews. The judge acknowledged Poniza's personal circumstances and remorse expressed through his counsel.

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You provided them with extremely substandard accommodation, completely inadequate winter heating, minimal privacy and no proper bedding.