Gardai carry out sex trade operation in Donegal

Properties in Donegal were among those targeted by Gardai in an operation aimed at protecting those in the sex trade.

Last Thursday and Friday the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) with the support of divisional Protective Services Units and local Detectives, conducted intelligence led operations across 16 Garda Divisions.

The widespread exercise saw detectives visit several premises in Donegal with Gardai also carrying out similar operations in Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Galway, Dublin, Kildare, Cavan and Louth.

Across the country, 46 people were identified as having allegedly purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution

Gardai carried out 65 safeguarding visits with a view to eliminating the possibility of sexual exploitation

There were 112 individual sex workers offered welfare advice and encouraged to avail of expert services

Five search warrants were executed in relation to the organisation of prostitution, while €3,000 euro and $500 was seized from a male in the South Eastern Region who is suspected of being involved in organised prostitution.

Gardai have not disclosed how many of the persons involved were in Donegal.

Detective Chief Superintendent, Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said, "This ongoing work is all in an effort to strengthen our link with those involved in the sex trade in order to increase trust and raise greater awareness of the services that are available to them.

"The Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit within our bureau regularly carry out safeguarding checks of people who are involved in the sex trade.

“This is especially important so that Gardaí can identify anyone who may be vulnerable or who is being sexually exploited or trafficked. Our unit is also cognisant of those who are working independently in the sex trade.”

A number of files are now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to determining if any criminal prosecution can be initiated.

As part of its support for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, An Garda Síochána has also launched a text message campaign which is aimed at offering confidential support to those working in the sex trade.