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Two arrested in Dublin in global human trafficking operation
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Two arrested in Dublin in global human trafficking operation

Two people have been arrested at Dublin Airport in connection with separate incidents as part of a global Interpol operation targeting people-trafficking and migrant smuggling.

As part of Operation Liberterra, II, gardaĆ­ screened 16,000 people and monitored 120 flights at the airport.

Gardai from the Bureau of National Protective Services and the Bureau of Immigration and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit carried out the operation between September 29 and October 4.

One person was arrested in connection with an alleged human trafficking incident earlier this year. Another person was arrested in connection with alleged human trafficking incidents in 2022 and 2023.

Both have since been released without charge. Files are now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may be a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak to them, either at a local Garda station or by calling the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

GardaĆ­ are also appealing for anyone with any “information about these heinous crimes or suspects to come forward”.

The Interpol operation saw around 2,517 arrests in 116 countries, of which 850 were made on charges of human trafficking or migrant smuggling during the week.

It also resulted in the rescue of 3,222 potential victims of human trafficking. More than 17,000 illegal migrants have also been identified.

Police raids and strategic border points were strengthened and nearly 24,000 flights were monitored. Officers have also been deployed to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots.

Around the world, almost eight million checks have been carried out on Interpol’s databases.