03/12/2008

International Trafficking Ring Smashed

An organised human trafficking gang, which had been bringing women into the UK and Ireland for prostitution, has been dismantled.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), in partnership with the PSNI, An Garda Siochana, Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Agency disrupted the crime gang who were trafficking women 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 also been taken away for forensic examination.

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

Searches were also carried out in Newry, 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."

He added: "Joint working with the PSNI, An Garda Siochana, Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Agency have resulted in these arrests.

(JM)

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