Issue Date: 21 April 2023
On 19 April 2023, An Garda Síochána participated in a joint day of Action with colleagues in Romania and the United Kingdom 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 (JIT) into the case and facilitated judicial cross-border cooperation. Operation was also supported by assistance and collaboration with EUROPOL.
Two searches were carried out at residential locations, one in the south and one in the west of Ireland. A number of persons were identified and spoken to at both locations and material of evidential value was recovered. This material will be provided to the Romanian authorities, under the terms of the JIT, who are the lead authority in this investigation.
Gardaí from the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU) under the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) carried out the searches and were accompanied by international colleagues from Romania who were present in Ireland.
Speaking about the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent, Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said,
"An Garda Síochána through the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit 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. An Garda Síochána is determined to ensure that this type of crime is identified and investigated at every opportunity.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan made the following appeal:
"I would appeal to any person who may be the victim of Human Trafficking and is in a position to reach out for help, please contact An Garda Síochána on 999/112, An Garda Síochána is here to help.
"I am conscious that not every victim may be in a position to do so, I would appeal to any persons who knows 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”
Information can be provided to any Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or CrimeStoppers 1800 250 025.
Further information on Human Trafficking can be found on the Garda website: Human Trafficking.
