Human trafficking and fraud charges brought against two men in Donegal

Charges relating to fraud and the trafficking of a male have been brought against two men. 

Georgijs Poniza, 37, of Assaroe Falls, The Mall, Ballyshannon and Armen Pogosyan, 32, of 2 Assaroe Falls, Ballyshannon were before Donegal District Court sitting in Ballyshannon on Wednesday, October 1.

Both men who are in custody on other matters were arrested for the purpose of charge on the morning of the court sitting. Each replied ‘not guilty’ after caution. 

The are both charged that on a date between March 6, 2021 and October 24, 2023 they allegedly trafficked a male, with said male being coerced, threatened or otherwise used force against, or deceived him and or took advantage of the vulnerability of the trafficked person to such an extent as to cause the  trafficked person to have had no real acceptable alternative but to submit to being trafficked.

The offence is contrary to Section 4(1)(a)(b) and (c) and 4(7) of the Criminal Lay (Human Trafficking) Act 2008. 

It is alleged that on dates between May 25, 2023 and June 9, 2023 at Ballyshannon, they by deception induced Circle K to open a Circle K Ireland fuel account in the name of the alleged trafficking victim with the intention of making gain or causing loss to another.

The pair are accused that between March 20 and 31, 2023, they by deception induced Avant Money DAC to open an Avant Money Credit Cart account in the name of the alleged trafficking victim with intent to make gain, or cause loss to another 

Both offences are contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

It is also alleged that between March 3, 2021 and September 1, 2023 at an unknown location within the state, they made a false Electric Ireland utility bill in the name of the alleged trafficking victim with intent to induce another person to accept it as genuine, and to do some act to the prejudice of that person or any other person. The offence is contrary to Section 25 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Within the same dates at an unknown location within the state, it is alleged that they used a Latvian passport bearing the name Andris Ameriks and the photograph of the alleged trafficking victim, which was intended to deceive. The offence is contrary to Section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Also between the same dates at 13 Assaroe Falls, Ballyshannon it is alleged that they, without lawful excuse, had a UK driving licence bearing the name of the alleged trafficking victim, knowing the instrument to be false. The offence is contrary to Section 29(2) and (6) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

On October 24 at the same address, it is alleged that they had a Latvian driving licence bearing the name Andris Ameriks and photos of the alleged trafficking victim, and the instrument was used to open a Bunq bank account. The offence is contrary to Section 29(1) and (6) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed the matter to be sent forward for trial on indictment. He asked that if there is to be a bail hearing, gardaí be given 48 hours notice. 

In respect of Georgijs Poniza, legal aid was granted to barrister Kathleen Henry for Kieran O’Brien and Associate Solicitors, Limerick. 

Legal aid was also granted to barrister Pat O’Sullivan acting for Morgan Coleman in respect of Armen Pogosyan.

The matter was adjourned to Sligo District Court on Thursday, October 2 with the defendants to appear via videolink with a further remand period expected.