Two men to appear before court in connection with international human trafficking probe

The men, aged 35 and 28, were arrested last Tuesday and detained at Garda stations in Donegal. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Two men arrested in connection with an international investigation into human trafficking have been charged.

Both men are expected to appear before a special sitting of Ballyshannon District Court at 6.30pm on Saturday evening.

The men, aged 35 and 28, were arrested last Tuesday and detained at Garda stations in Donegal.

Europol officers had travelled to Donegal as part of the operation that led to this week's arrests.

Gardaí, along with their international colleagues are investigating the trafficking of persons into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation.

In a statement earlier this week, gardaí appealed to victims of "these heinous crimes" to come forward, and urged anyone with information to make it available to them.

"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.

"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," the statement read.