Four arrested in human trafficking probe

Three men and a woman have been arrested as part of a probe into human trafficking.

The men, two aged in their 30s and one aged in his 20s, and the woman, aged in her 20s, were arrested for organised crime-related offences by gardai in Dublin on Wednesday.

Gardai said it came as part of “a coordinated day of action” in cooperation with Brazilian Federal Police and Europol.

Four locations were searched in Dublin city centre alongside simultaneous searches in Brazil.

The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) is investigating human trafficking, organised prostitution, brothel keeping and other alleged organised crime-related offences.

Officers from Europol and the Brazilian Federal Police were present in Dublin during the operation, while a member of An Garda Siochana was in Brazil.

The investigation also involved gardai from the armed units.

Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire said the operation had identified a number of victims of human trafficking by a “very sophisticated” Brazilian organised crime group that had been operating in Ireland for several years.

One of the areas searched included an active brothel in which 10 women were working.

Mr Maguire said that the women may be under complete control of the gang and “absolutely afraid for their lives”.

An Garda Siochana issued an appeal to any individual who may be the victim of human trafficking to speak to them either at a local station or on confidential phone line 1800 666 111.