Premises in cavan searched in brothel clampdown

Gardaí have searched a number of locations, including premises in Co. Cavan, as part of a two day nationwide operation targeting organised prostitution.

The searches were conducted followinng a six month long investigation by the Organised Crime Unit into the activities of a criminal group involved in organised prostitution, brothel keeping and other associated criminal activity.

The operation was conducted in close co-operation with Europol as part of an initiative targeting mobile organised crime groups active throughout Europe.
Since Thursday morning, December 4, Gardaí searched a total of 22 premises nationwide, including apartments, flats and houses at in Cavan, Letterkenny, Dundalk, Clonmel, Waterford, Mullingar, Limerick, Ballina, Ennis, Newbridge and Cork, along with 11 locations in the Dublin area. More than 60 Gardaí were involved in the searches, including members of Organised Crime Unit, local detective units and uniformed Gardaí.

The purpose of the search operation Gardai say, was to gather evidence in order to advance future investigations.

Evidence of suspected prostitution activity was detected at a number of the locations searched, with the authorities seizing documentation, mobile phones, computers and money.

A number of women present at these locations were also interviewed by Gardaí and have been offered support and advice.
An Garda Síochána state that they continue to work closely with Ruhama and other advocacy agencies working in this area.

“The general policy of An Garda Síochána is to treat women who work in this area as witnesses unless there is significant evidence to suggest that they are directly involved in organising prostitution or brothel keeping,” a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said.