Man charged with human trafficking

A 56-YEAR-OLD man of Latvian nationality has been remanded in custody until next Monday, June 16, charged with the human trafficking of a woman 10 years ago for the purpose of exploitation.

Dainis Grinfelds with an address at Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, was arrested on Wednesday, June 11, and taken to Monaghan District Court on the same day, on the charge relating to alleged trafficking within the State on dates between April 4 and June 25, 2015, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act, 2008.

Evidence of arrest charge and caution was given by Detective Garda Philip Temple of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit, Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

Det Garda Temple said he arrested Mr Grinfelds at his address on Monday, June 9, on suspicion of organised crime. He was released at 12:08am on Wednesday morning and re-arrested for the purpose of charge at 12:45am.

The detective said Mr Grinfelds' reply after caution when the charge was put to him was, “I’m not guilty.”

Roisin Courtney, solicitor, confirmed that no bail application was being made.

Certifying for a Latvian interpreter and legal aid, Judge Raymond Finnegan remanded Mr Grinfelds in custody to appear by video link at the court in Monaghan on Monday, June 16, for DPP directions in the matter.