A Brazilian national who ran a widespread network of brothels across Ireland and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Ilamar Ribeiro, 47, pleaded guilty to 10 criminal charges, including operating brothels, laundering nearly €800,000, and the sexual exploitation of a child.

The case, heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, revealed the depth of Ribeiro’s abuse of vulnerable women — particularly one teenage girl brought to Ireland under false pretences — and the scope of his money-laundering enterprise across several counties.

A Multi-County Operation Built on Lies and Exploitation

Ribeiro ran a series of brothels disguised as private apartments in areas including Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, and Kilkenny. He advertised sexual services online, managed appointments using burner phones, and moved cash between accounts to hide the profits of his illegal enterprise.

He was arrested in 2021 following an extensive investigation by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. When Gardaí searched properties linked to Ribeiro, they uncovered forged IDs, cash, phones, and surveillance equipment used to monitor the women he controlled.

Detective Sergeant Emer O’Sullivan said Ribeiro had a “deep knowledge of digital and financial concealment methods,” adding: “He moved money strategically and used multiple identities to cover his tracks.”

Teen Girl Trafficked and Abused by Predator

The most serious element of the case involved a vulnerable 17-year-old girl from Brazil, who came to Ireland after being promised legitimate work. Once here, she was forced into sex work under Ribeiro’s control.

In her harrowing victim impact statement, the girl said: “I came here thinking I would build a life. Instead, I was treated like property and made to do things no child should be forced to endure.”

The court heard that Ribeiro not only knew she was underage, but continued to advertise her to clients and take payment for sexual encounters. The young woman later escaped and bravely reported him to Gardaí, prompting the investigation that led to his downfall.

Sophisticated Laundering Scheme

Ribeiro laundered nearly €800,000 through personal and business accounts over several years. Financial records revealed consistent cash deposits, suspicious transfers, and withdrawals used to support his illegal operations. Some of the funds were funnelled into cryptocurrency accounts and foreign transfers to avoid detection.

A forensic accountant for the prosecution testified that Ribeiro “kept his name out of direct business transactions” and regularly changed addresses, mobile numbers, and alias documents. His ability to hide in plain sight was described as “highly calculated and systematic.”

Sentencing Sends Message to Predators

Judge Martin Nolan described Ribeiro’s crimes as “predatory, exploitative, and deeply damaging.” He handed down an eight-year sentence with the final year suspended due to time already served and a partial admission of guilt.

“This was not a one-off lapse in judgement,” the judge stated. “This was an organised effort to exploit vulnerable women and profit from their trauma.”

Gardaí also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into others who may have worked with Ribeiro or benefited from his illegal network.

A Wake-Up Call on Hidden Exploitation

This case has reignited calls for stronger enforcement around human trafficking, exploitation, and online sex work advertisements in Ireland. While some of the women involved were over 18, Gardaí stressed that coercion, fear, and economic vulnerability played significant roles in keeping them trapped.

A Garda spokesperson said: “This is a reminder that exploitation doesn’t always look the way people imagine. It often hides behind digital screens, locked apartment doors, and falsified documents.”

Ribeiro has now begun serving his sentence, but the damage left behind — particularly to the young girl he exploited — will take much longer to repair. Authorities continue to urge victims of trafficking or exploitation to come forward.

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