Gardaí attached to both the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-Ordination Unit within An Garda Síochána were present at Dublin Airport on Thursday to conduct a multi-agency day of co-ordinated action to target and prevent human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Partner agencies including the Department of Justice, the Health Service Executive’s Anti-Human Trafficking Team, Ruhuma, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Border Management Unit (BMU) and the Dublin Airport Authority were all part of the activity.
Their high-visibility presence is part of their ongoing work in detecting and disrupting organised crime groups that are exploiting vulnerable victims for financial gain. The activity was also focused on raising awareness among potential victims of human trafficking that An Garda Síochána is here to help.
A number of potential victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation were assessed and all were provided with information on the available agency supports and information on the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit both part of the overarching, Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
Speaking this evening following today’s day of action, Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit said, “Our day of action and presence at Dublin Airport forms part of our ongoing, collaborative work to identify and support some of the most vulnerable people in global society – those who are trafficked.
“We work closely with other frontline agencies both in Ireland and overseas to identify and support victims of human trafficking so that they can be removed from harm, and for us to bring those to justice who are intent on exploiting them for personal gain.
“We want victims to know that while they may have had a poor experience and been unable to trust in law enforcement previously, you can trust us to help lead you away from the terrible crimes being committed against you.”
An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them either in person or by phone at a local Garda station or to call the Garda Confidential Phone number on 1800 666 111.
If you have information or are aware of a person that you suspect is committing human trafficking offences, or who may be a victim themselves of being trafficked for exploitation – please make contact with An Garda Síochána.
Further details on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found: www.blueblindfold.ie