Two men have been arrested in Donegal as part of an international investigation into ‘heinous crimes’ of human trafficking and labour exploitation.
Gardaí made the arrests in an undisclosed location this Tuesday morning.
Both males, aged 35 and 28, are detained under section 50 Criminal Justice Act 2007.
It has been revealed that gardaí are collaborating with authorities in Latvia to investigate the alleged trafficking of persons into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation.
Members of the Joint Investigation Team are also in action today in Latvia.
Europol Officers have been working in Donegal in support of the operation.
The investigation team in Donegal is supported by Local, Divisional and National Units including the Human Trafficking Investigation & Coordination Unit (HTICU) at GNPSB, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda Mutual Assistance Section and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS).
A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or labour exploitation to speak to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local garda station or call the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111
“An Garda Síochána understands that victims of these crimes may not always be in a position to report themselves, maybe there is opportunity to speak to a Garda who you might meet at any location.
“Importantly, An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects that any person is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local garda station the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána.”
