A 55-year-old man was arrested this morning in North County Dublin by Gardaí from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
The individual was taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in human trafficking offences. He is currently being held at a Garda station in North Dublin under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking related to labour exploitation.
“An Garda Síochána appeals to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking for sexual or labour exploitation to come forward and speak with them,” the Gardaí said in a statement.
“They can contact their local Garda Station or call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
“An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects to speak up. Further information on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found at blueblindfold.ie
“Investigations ongoing.”
A training resource for Secondary School teachers has been prepared by the Department of Justice to help CSPE teachers inform their students about human trafficking, its prevalence and how to identify cases of it.
On document, entitled “Counter-trafficking training modules”, says that there are three “main ways” in which victims of human trafficking come to the attention of authorities:
(i) identified by Garda in the course of their investigations,
(ii) on referral to the Garda by the Health Service Executive, or other agencies and NGO’s
(iii) as part of the asylum process the applicant may indicate they have been trafficked
One other less common way is through reports from members of the public.
As for what the public should do if they suspect a case of trafficking, the guide document says that one should “do no harm”.
“It is very important that a victim of trafficking is not put in more danger because of the actions of a person trying to assist them,” it reads.
“If in doubt, do not take any action if the situation for the victim of trafficking may be made worse. But having said this, the basic principle must be, if it is possible, to endeavour to protect the victim of trafficking.
“If you suspect that a victim of trafficking is living or working in your community, then a report may be made to the local police or a call made to a hotline. If a suspected victim of trafficking is encountered through work, then workplace protocols on steps to be taken if a potential victim of trafficking is encountered should be followed, while adhering at all times to the basic principle of do no harm and informed consent.”