Gardaí have arrested two men in Donegal for organised crime related offences as part of an international human trafficking investigation.
The men aged 28 and 35 years are being held in garda stations in Donegal under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
Gardaí working with colleagues in Latvia have been investigating the alleged trafficking of people into Ireland for “labour exploitation” a statement from An Garda Síochána said.
“This international Law Enforcement Operation involves a Joint Investigation team which has been established with Law Enforcement in Latvia. Law enforcement activity is also being co-ordinated today 24th October 2023 in Latvia. The international operation is supported by Europol and Europol Officers are present in Donegal during this operation.”
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The investigation team in Donegal is supported by Local, Divisional and National Units including the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU), the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda Mutual Assistance Section and the An Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS).
Garda issued an appeal to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or labour exploitation to speak to a member of An Garda Síochána.
“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,” it 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 the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána.”
