Alleged human trafficker agrees to extradition to Italy

A Romanian national living in Ireland for the last 10 years has consented to his extradition to Italy where he is wanted for human trafficking offences.

Today at the High Court Mircea Remus Contras, with an address at North Great Georges Street, Dublin, agreed to being sent back to Italy, where investigators claim he has acted as a "consultant" in the illegal movement of people from countries such as Russia, the Ukraine and Moldova into Ireland and other countries within the European Union.

The Italian authorities also alleged Contras (aged 41) was, in January last, involved in the illegal organisation of trafficking people from the eastern European nation of Moldova to Ireland via Italy.

The operation involves the movement of dozens of individuals on a weekly basis.

It is further claimed Contras provided those who were trafficked with false documentation, including forged passports and Romanian credit cards.

Contras, the father of a nine-year-old daughter, denies the charges against him, which he says are "totally false".

Mr Justice Michael Peart made the order for Contras extradition. That order was not to take effect for 10 days to allow Contras time to sort some personal affairs.

Previously Mr Justice Peart refused to grant Mr Contras bail after accepting evidence that he represented a significant flight risk.

The Judge said that he had to take into account Garda fears that Mr Contras may be able to obtain travel documents enabling him to leave the state.