Gardaí investigate 92 brothels as part of major international human trafficking operation

An Garda Síochána have said that 92 brothels in every major town and city across the country were inspected as part of a major international operation targeting human trafficking last month.

In a statement released by gardaí, they said that between 1st and 6th June, An Garda Síochána along with other international law enforcement partners participated in Operation Global Chain.

The purpose of the operation was to target "human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging in order to detect and disrupt organised crime groups exploiting vulnerable victims for financial gain."

The joint activities particularly focused on detecting and disrupting organised crime groups involved in human trafficking, especially the trafficking of children, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and begging.

Over the course of the operation, gardaí coordinated a week of welfare visits to suspected brothels to detect potential incidents of sexual exploitation. 

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According to An Garda Síochána's statement: "Gardaí inspected brothels in every major town and city in Ireland and in total 92 brothels were visited. 179 sex workers were interviewed with nationalities from Brazil, Romania, Spain, China, Dominican Republic, Poland, Latvia, Colombia, Taiwan, Panama, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Ireland."

They added: "No victims of human trafficking were detected, however they were provided with information and advice should they wish to speak to An Garda Síochána further."

As well as this, An Garda Síochána monitored 37 flights at Dublin Airport on Thursday, 5 June and Friday, 6 June. 

Gardaí said: "Members of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit were present, carrying 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."

One man was arrested as part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation for sexual exploitation and forced criminality. He was detained at Monaghan Garda Station under Organised Crime legislation.

Gardaí said that at the conclusion of the man's 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 since appeared before Monaghan District Court on Wednesday, 11 June where he was remanded in custody. A full file is now being compiled for the DPP.

An Garda Síochána have said 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."

They have appealed to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them, either at a local Garda station, or to call the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111.

Anyone with any information on these types of crimes are also asked to come forward.