Multi-agency operation

metman

Joint Op by SOCA, the Garda, PSNI, Dyfed Powys and the Border Agency dismantles an organised crime gang...

The Serious Organised Crime Agency, in partnership with the PSNI, An Garda Siochana, Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Agency, has disrupted and dismantled an organised 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-centred 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 offences 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

Eru

A good result all round, with the borders being more open europe wide its important that we continue to increase co-operation across the board.

Its on the way and not too soon either that any person within europe will have their records available to all police forces. Up until now we were really playing catch up to find out who a lot of these people are.

eroo

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

Its on the way and not too soon either that any person within europe will have their records available to all police forces.

About time! Should help Europe crack down on organised crime gangs, as well as drug trafficking, and the increasing human trafficking trade.