Four arrested in Dublin as part of international human trafficking investigation

Ellen O'Donoghue

Four people, one female in her 20s, and three men, two in their 30s and one in his 20s, were arrested in Dublin on Wednesday as part of a joint international operation aimed at disrupting an organised crime group suspected of human trafficking, organised prostitution and brothel keeping.

The arrests were made as part of a coordinated day of action conducted in cooperation with Brazilian Federal Police and Europol.

All four are currently detained in garda stations in Dublin under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Four locations were searched in Dublin city centre on Wednesday morning in conjunction with simultaneous searches taking place in Brazil.

Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire said the operation had identified a number of victims of human trafficking by a “very sophisticated” Brazilian organised crime group that had been operating in Ireland for several years.

One of the areas searched included an active brothel in which 10 women were working.

"This is a victim-centred approach with these girls," he said.

Mr Maguire also said that the women may be under complete control of the gang and “absolutely afraid for their lives”.

The international law enforcement operation is supported by Europol, with officers from Europol and the Brazilian Federal Police present in Dublin during the operation.

A member of An Garda Síochána is also supporting the Brazilian Federal Police in Brazil.

The investigation team from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau is being supported by a number of local, national and divisional units within An Garda Síochána.

The investigation also involved gardaí from the armed units.

An Garda Síochána appealed to anyone who may be the victim of human trafficking to speak to a member of the force, either at their local garda station or by calling the Garda confidential phone number at 1800 666 111.

The force's statement also said they understand that victims of crimes  of this nature may not always be in a position to make a report themselves, but "maybe there is opportunity to speak to a garda who you might meet at any location."

"Importantly, An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects that any individual is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local Garda Station, through the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána," the statement finished.