The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), in partnership with the PSNI, An Garda Siochana, Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Agency, has disrupted and dismantled an organized crime gang who were trafficking women into the UK and Ireland for prostitution.

The women were being trafficked from Brazil, Nigeria and Namibia.

This operation originated during Operation Pentameter 2, which is a UK wide operation into human trafficking.

SOCA officers from Wales and Northern Ireland were involved in the operation along with colleagues from partner agencies.

A 47 year old Irish man and a 31 year old South African woman have today been arrested by SOCA officers in Pembrokeshire in Wales in connection with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and control of prostitution. A number of items have been taken away or forensic examination.

As part of the international operation An Garda Siochana arrested six people in the Republic of Ireland.

Searches were also carried out by the PSNI in Newry in Northern Ireland.

Bob Lauder, Regional Director, SOCA said,
“Make no mistake – people trafficking is a serious crime. These are not willing participants, they are victims, and this trade destroys their lives and their families’ lives.

“The criminals running operations like this think they are unassailable. But the message today is that no-one should feel confident that the UK is a soft environment to commit crime. SOCA’s world-wide connections mean that together with our international and UK partners we are tightening the net. We will find you and we will stop you.

“Joint working with the, PSNI, An Garda Siochana, Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Agency have resulted in these arrests. I want to thank all our partners who were intrinsic to the success of this operation.”

PSNI Head of Organised Crime Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Essie Adair, said: “For police, this was a victim-centered operation where the highest priority has been given to the identification and rescue of any suspected victims of human trafficking. This has been followed by the investigation of any criminal offenses identified.

“After months of PSNI covert activity, the investigation is starting to deliver results in terms of arrests and seizures. But our primary objective during this protracted operation has been to prevent human trafficking and rescue victims.”

Source: Serious Organised Crime Agency

Net News Publisher for World News