An Garda Síochána in cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, S.O.C.A. Dyfed Ponys, Police Wales and the United Kingdom Border Agency carried out a number of searches in relation to the activities of an organised crime gang suspected of involvement in prostitution and suspected trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation.
Garda have released five people held in relation to an investigation into prostitution and human trafficking, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Two people, a man and a woman, remain in custody at Tullamore and Carlow Garda stations.
Previous press releases below.
Garda Press Office
4th December 2008.
Gardai have arrested another male this afternoon as part of their investigation into prostitution and human trafficking. The man in his 20's was arrested in the Co.Carlow area. He is detained at Athy Garda station under Sec 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. This brings to seven the number of people arrested in this jurisdiction.
As part of the overall operation, Gardai have also seized computer equipment and documantation. The operation is ongoing and you will be notified of further updates.
Garda Press Office
3rd December 2008
On the 3rd December 2008 An Garda Síochána in cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, S.O.C.A. Dyfed Ponys, Police Wales and the United Kingdom Border Agency carried out a number of searches in relation to the activities of an organised crime gang suspected of involvement in prostitution and suspected trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation.
A total of nine brothels were searched throughout this jurisdiction in Cavan, Drogheda, Athlone, Mullingar, Sligo, Kilkenny, Enniscorthy, Newbridge, and Waterford.
Six further locations in the Carlow area were also searched and a total of 6 persons were arrested on suspicion of organising and managing prostitution. 4 females (age range from mid 20’s to early 50’s) and two males (one early 20’s and the other early 30’s)
Those arrested are currently detained in the following Garda stations: Carlow, Kildare, Naas, Kilkenny and Tullamore. All arrested are detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice act 1984.
A briefing will be provided to the media at Carlow Garda station at 3.30 PM today in respect of this operation.
Simultaneous searches in Northern Ireland and Wales also took place.
Units involved are National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda National Immigration Bureau, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, Divisional Garda Units from the Carlow, Kildare Waterford and Kilkenny.
Garda Press Office
13.00 hrs 3rd December 2008
