Gardaí carried out a search of a house in the West of Ireland this week in a crackdown on human trafficking, organised prostitution and money laundering.
A number of people were identified and spoken to during two searches in the west and south of the country on Wednesday, and material was recovered which will serve as evidence.
This material will be provided to the Romanian authorities, who are the lead authority in the investigation.
The searches were carried out during a joint day of action between gardaí and their colleagues in Romania and the UK, targeting the activities of an organised crime group involved in human trafficking, organised prostitution and money laundering.
EUROJUST provided support to set up and fund a joint investigation team into the case and facilitated judicial cross-border cooperation.
The operation was also supported by assistance and collaboration with EUROPOL. Gardaí were accompanied by colleagues from Romania who were present in Ireland.
Speaking about the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent, Colm Noonan, said that gardaí continue to proactively engage with International Law Enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable persons in our societies.
“Human Trafficking for sexual exploitation is a heinous crime, exploiting another human being for the commercial benefit of the trafficker,” he said.
“An Garda Síochána is determined to ensure that this type of crime is identified and investigated at every opportunity.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan appealed to anyone who may be the victim of Human Trafficking and is in a position to reach out for help, to please contact An Garda Síochána on 999/112.
“I am conscious that not every victim may be in a position to do so, I would appeal to any persons who know of a possible victim of Human Trafficking or suspects human trafficking to contact An Garda Síochána, provide us with the information, let us investigate the suspicions.”
