A 33-year-old man is expected to appear before a sitting of Dublin District Court (C.C.J. 1.) this morning 16th November 2016 charged in connection with an on-going human trafficking investigation.
The man was arrested in Dublin yesterday evening (15/11/2016).
In February 2012 an investigation commenced by members of An Garda Síochána attached to Operation Quest, Garda National Protective Services Bureau into human trafficking of Polish nationals into the state by organised criminal groups for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
During the course of the investigation a number of female victims were identified and interviewed by Gardaí. Those identified are continuing to receive support from Ruhama and the HSE. Five suspects were arrested and detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. They were released without charge and a comprehensive investigation file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The investigation was led by Gardaí attached to Operation Quest, Garda National Protective Service Bureau and supported by the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit, Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau, National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, District Detective Units based at Store Street and Athlone Garda Stations. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Polish National Trafficking Unit, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Europol and Interpol.
This is the third person to face charges as part of this investigation.
