Issue Date: 24th June 2024
Between 3rd June and 9th June 2024 , An Garda Síochána, along with other law enforcement partners worldwide, participated in Operation Global Chain, targeting human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging in order to detect and disrupt organised crime groups exploiting vulnerable victims for financial gain. The joint activities focused on detecting and disrupting organised crime groups involved in trafficking of human beings, in particular child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging.
Gardaí attached to An Garda Síochána’s Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit were present at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports, Connolly Train Station as well as Dublin Port throughout the week in a high-visibility awareness raising capacity.
A number of premises were inspected as part of a multi-agency approach in counties Dublin, Clare and Limerick. The agencies involved consisted of Gardaí attached to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau and The Garda National Immigration Bureau and The Workplace Relations Commission.
A number of potential victims of human trafficking were spoken to at the locations. A number of females were identified as working in the sex industry and all were provided with information on support organisations and information on the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit.
Speaking today, Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said,
"The joint days of action demonstrates the ability of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau and our international colleagues from over 40 countries, to combat the organised crime gangs that target the most vulnerable in our society.
"We are committed to supporting victims human trafficking, and to bringing persons intent on exploiting human beings for personal gain, to justice.”
An Garda Síochána will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners in the identification of new victims so they can also be removed from harm.
An Garda Síochána appeals to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them, either at a local Garda station, or to call the Garda Confidential Phone number on 1800 666 111. An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects to speak up.
Further details on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found at www.blueblindfold.ie
