Three arrested in Cork as part of major garda operation targeting human trafficking

Arrests connected with an international gang specialising in labour exploitation this morning

Gardaí operated in seven locations in Cork and Roscommon and seized evidence which will now be examined in detail.

A major garda operation in Cork and Roscommon — involving over 100 members — has resulted in the arrest of three men connected with an international human trafficking gang specialising in labour exploitation this morning.

The operation is led by specialist officers in Cork, assisted by divisional colleagues, as well as officers from six national units, including human trafficking, economic crime and cybercrime bureaus.

The organised crime group targeted has connections in Eastern Europe and the operation has involved the assistance of the EU police agency, Europol.

Detectives hit a total of seven locations in Cork and Roscommon and seized evidence which will now be examined in detail.

A Garda statement said: “Gardaí in Cork County have this morning arrested three males for organised crime-related offences. The males (in their 30s and 40s) are currently detained in Garda Stations in Cork under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.” 

This anti-gang legislation allows for a maximum period of seven days’ detention, on application to the courts.

“This morning investigating Gardaí searched five locations in Co Cork and two locations in Co Roscommon,” the statement said.

It said “items of evidential value”, including, it is thought, digital devices and mobile phones, were seized during the courses of the searches.

“Over 100 gardaí were involved in operations this morning led by detectives from the Divisional Protective Service Unit, Cork County and supported by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit, and Scenes of Crime Unit, amongst others,” the statement said.

“The investigation team in Cork is supported by sworn Garda members and specialist Garda Staff from National Units including the Human Trafficking Investigation & Coordination Unit (HTICU) at Garda National Protective Service Bureau (GNPSB), the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) Garda Mutual Assistance Section and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS).” 

In relation to the gang being targeted, it said: “Gardaí are investigating the activities of an Organised Crime Group (OCG) based in Ireland, with Eastern European connection, involved in the alleged trafficking of persons into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation. The investigation is being supported by International colleagues from Europol.” 

Appeal to victims

It said 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, either at their local garda station, or to 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 an opportunity to speak to a Garda who you might meet at any location,” the statement said.

“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, on the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána.” 

People trafficked for the purpose of labour exploitation are typically, though not exclusively, made to work in sectors such as agriculture, construction, entertainment, service industry, manufacturing and domestic servitude as well as begging.

These individuals, gardaí say, may be forced into labour exploitation directly by the OCG, but are often more likely to be made available for work by third-party employers who often may not be aware of the activities of the OCG and believe that the labour may be legitimately sourced.