Gardai interview 179 sex workers in 92 brothels as part of human trafficking crack down
The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport
Gardai inspected brothels 'in every major town and city in Ireland' as part of a major world-wide operation targeting human trafficking.
The force revealed how they interviewed 179 sex workers in 92 brothels and inspected 5,421 passengers on 37 flights at Dublin Airport over the course of just one week last month.
One man was arrested for sexual exploitation and forced criminality.
'This person was detained at Monaghan Garda Station under Organised Crime legislation,' a Garda spokesperson said.
'At the conclusion of his detention, a charge for Human Trafficking Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 was directed by the DPP
'He appeared before Monaghan District Court on Wednesday, June 11 where he was remanded in custody. A full file is now being compiled for the DPP.'
Between June 1 and 6, gardai along with other law enforcement partners worldwide, participated in Operation Global Chain.
The operation focused on detecting and disrupting organised crime groups involved in trafficking of human beings, 'in particular child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging'.
The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport
News in 90 Seconds - July 11th
Gardai added: 'Over the week, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau liaised with Divisional Protective Services Units across Ireland and coordinated an intensive week of welfare visits to suspected brothels to detect potential incidents of sexual exploitation.
The 179 sex workers who were interviewed were from Brazil, Romania, Spain, China, Dominican Republic, Poland, Latvia, Colombia, Taiwan, Panama, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Ireland.
'No victims of human trafficking were detected,' gardai added, 'however they were provided with information and advice should they wish to speak to An Garda Síochána further.'
As part of the operation, 37 flights were monitored at Dublin Airport on Thursday, June 5 and Friday 6.
Members of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit caried out 'enhanced law enforcement checks with the Border Management Unit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration'.
A total of 5,421 passengers were inspected arriving at Dublin Airport.
Gardai added that they will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners in the identification of new victims 'so they can be also removed from harm'.
Gardai are also appealing to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them.
They can do this, either at a local Garda station, or by calling the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111.
'An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects to come forward,' the spokesperson added.
'Any contacts with An Garda Síochána will be treated in the utmost confidence.'
Further details on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found at www.blueblindfold.ie
Gardai added: 'Human trafficking is a crime and a serious human rights violation. It occurs all over the world, including in Ireland. It takes many different forms and may be present in any community, nationwide. Ireland is taking significant steps to combat human trafficking and respond to the needs of victims, at home and with our partners.'
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