Man charged with brothel-keeping in Kildare

A MAN who allegedly ran an international prostitution ring from an address in Kildare town was sent forward to appear before Naas Circuit Court on 13 January for alleged offences where he could face up to 29 years on jail if found guilty.

Marius Frunza (44), with an address at O’Connell Street, Tipperary town appeared in Naas District Court last week (18 December) from custody where he has been since his arrest only nine days previously.

Mr Frunza is charged with the keeping, assisting, and managing a brothel at Cleamore Terrace, Kildare town; controlling and directing prostitutes contrary to S9 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences Act); and money laundering €68,000 of the proceeds.

Mr Frunza was in court to receive his book of evidence, but Judge Desmond Zaidan – who had remanded him in custody from Athy last week commented: “There is CCTV of these women coming in through Dublin Airport having allegedly served in Ireland and Europe on a roster”.

The enterprise allegedly went under the name of Escort Ireland.

The judge added: “He was remanded in custody because the gardaí believe him to be a flight risk.

“This is the first time in my 20 years as a judge in which I was shown x-rated evidence, but there were different images used to promote this.

“Basically the pictures on the website were not the women involved.

“These were x-rated photographs staring back at me.

“”He was first up (in court) on the 9 December, and today is the 18 December.

“That is very quick and efficient for just nine days between, arrest charge, and caution and the (presentation of) book of wvidence,” he noted.

First-Time Prosecution

After reprising the four charges, the judge told the state that “any videos out there must be furnished to the defence”.

“This is the first time for a prosecution like this in Kildare,” noted defending solicitor Tim Kennelly, laying the ground fora legal aid application for his client.

“Would you think Escort Ireland would be based in Kildare town?” said Judge Zaidan.

“It’s all very circumstantial, he was not caught in the act, the state’s case is all based on CCTV,” said Mr Kennelly.

The judge then turned to Sergeant Dave Hanrahan for the State to clarify the maximum sentences in each of the charges.

“Money laundering?” Ten years?” asked the judge.

“No, 14,” clarified the sergeant, adding that the maximum for keeping a brothel was five years, and for organising prostitution it would be another 10 years.