Irish link to Chinese people-trafficking network

Gardaí are working with Spanish authorities after police there arrested 155 people in relation to a Chinese people-trafficking operation with links to Britain and Ireland.

Following a three-year operation by the Spanish national police, four leaders of the criminal organisation were arrested yesterday, in the wake of the arrest of 151 migrants caught in possession of fake passports.

Initial reports suggested those arrested were going to Britain or Ireland — but following checks by Garda authorities it was established that only one or two were intending to come here and the vast bulk were heading to Britain.