TWO men charged with human trafficking and labour exploitation offences are due to appear in court in Donegal this evening.
The men, aged 35 and 28, are currently being detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 in stations in the county and are due to appear before a special sitting of Ballyshannon District Court this evening (Saturday).
Earlier this week Gardaí revealed that an international law enforcement operation was under-way which involved a joint investigation team which had been established with law enforcement in Latvia.
“Investigating Gardaí, with International colleagues are investigating the alleged trafficking of persons into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation,” said a Garda spokesperson.
“The international operation is supported by Europol and Europol Officers are present in Donegal during this operation.
“The investigation team in Donegal is supported by Local, Divisional and National Units including the Human Trafficking Investigation & Coordination Unit (HTICU) at GNPSB, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda Mutual Assistance Section and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS)”
An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or labour exploitation to speak to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local garda station or call the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111.
“An Garda Síochána understands that victims of these crimes may not always be in a position to report themselves, maybe there is opportunity to speak to a Garda who you might meet at any location,” added the spokesperson.
“Importantly, An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects that any person is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local garda station the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)