Searches were carried out in six counties.
Gardaí have carried out nearly 100 inspections in an investigation into human trafficking and labour exploitation.
The searches were conducted in counties such as Westmeath, Dublin, Wicklow, Louth, Cavan and Sligo, and involved inspections in massage parlours, nail bars, restaurants and car washes, between June 10th and June 17th.
The investigation is part of EUROPOL’s week-long operation targeting Human Trafficking for Labour Exploitation across Europe, and is being conducted by An Garda Síochána, through both the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-Ordination Unit and Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit.
The EMPACT Joint Action Days were led by the Netherlands, and carried out by law enforcement and labour authorities from 32 countries with support from Eurojust, the European Labour Authority and Frontex.
Assistance was also provided during this operation by Revenue, the Workplace Relations Commission and Department of Social Protection.
The main objectives of this operational activity were to identify non-compliance with employment legislation and to allow members of the An Garda Síochána to identify potential indicators of human trafficking for labour exploitation. In total, 196 people were assessed for indicators of human trafficking.
During the course of the week, an inspection was carried out at a major construction site in Dublin by the Garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-Ordination Unit and the Garda National Immigration Bureau, with the support of the Workplace Relations Commission. Gardaí engaged with 27 non-EU nationals on-site during this inspection to determine whether they were potential victims of human trafficking for labour exploitation. Their living conditions and canteen facilities were also inspected and no indicators of human trafficking were identified.
Speaking today, Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit, Garda National Protective Services Bureau said,
"Human trafficking can be sometimes difficult to identify, particularly as those that exploit people come up with new and novel ways of disguising their criminal enterprises and avoiding the law.
The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 provides for penalties of up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine for trafficking people for the purpose of labour. Our ongoing co-operation with labour authorities here in Ireland and elsewhere across Europe means that we can exchange knowledge, information and expertise in this complex area.
Raising greater awareness among the public of the signs of labour exploitation to look out for can help us identify victims and be able to offer them our support. We urge anyone with concerns or suspicions about human trafficking for labour exploitation to report them to An Garda Síochána."
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