Modern-day slave trade

EVEN as exceptions that prove the rule go, the lapdancer’s tale was exceptional. American and moneyed, she had little in common with the other young women discovered providing the entertainment at a series of clubs raided in a special garda operation last year.

Sergeant Alan Bailey, a key member of Operation Quest, was taken aback by her explanation for working in a lapdancing club in Ireland when it would seem the world and its myriad job opportunities was her's for the asking. "She had spent her legacy and couldn't go home," he recalled.

The rest of the 100-plus dancers arrested that day fulfilled a sad stereotype. Among the 27 nationalities were 17 Estonians, 16 from the Czech Republic, 14 from Lithuania and nine from Hungary while others came from countries including Venezuela, Mexico, South Africa and Moldova.