Police raided 27 brothels across the North of Ireland, including one in Derry
She was questioned by detectives on suspicion of offences including human trafficking and money laundering.
The suspect was subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
A man and a woman have been charged with various offences as part of the investigation, codenamed Ooperation Liverless.
The man, 63, and woman, 47, were charged with human trafficking, controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering.
Gerard Corrigan, 62, from Park View, Pomeroy and Maive Martins Mariano, 47, from Rockview Crescent, Belleek, Co Armagh appeared at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court today for a first remand hearing.
The offences allegedly occurred between 23 March 2020 and 21 November 2022.
On Monday, police raided 27 brothels across the North of Ireland, including a property in Derry, as part of a multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking.
The PSNI said it was targeting an organised crime group which has been trafficking people throughout Northern Ireland for sexual exploitation.
Some 150 officers were involved in what has been described as the biggest operation against human trafficking the PSNI has carried out to date.
Most of the victims, which included women and transgender individuals, were from Brazil.
Police believe they were targeted due to their immigration status and lack of English language skills.
The court was told financial enquiries revealed a large amount of money in the region of £174,000 was transferred between the two suspects.
CCTV footage has shown Gerard Corrigan allegedly involved in transporting persons on many instances to brothels and Mariano is believed to have arranged accommodation for escorts in return for money.
She has admitted being in regular contact with escorts and arranging short-terms rentals for sex-work and making financial gain.
The detective however pointed out, “We believe the parties are so involved if they were released, they would reoffend immediately in this activity.
“We suspect they are part of a wider organised crime gang who are actively being investigated by our colleagues. As part of that a female recently presented to police indicating she was a victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation.”
Mr Corrigan’s defence pointed out he has a clear record and is in very poor health, for which he receives state benefits.
The detective confirmed he made “partial admissions” when interviewed, although the defence argued these were “very substantial admissions.”
Referring to Ms Mariano, the detective described her as “the suspected driving force behind the operation in Northern Ireland”.
Her defence claimed women would come to her asking them to make bookings for her due to language issues and for this she would receive around £50.
District Judge Peter Magill refused bail for both accused and they will appear again by video-link again on December 21.
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