Human trafficking and extremism on the agenda

Policing conference returns to Cavan for second time

The rising tide of far-right radicalisation and the unchecked movement of human trafficking networks across the open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were among some of the policing issues discussed at a two-day conference held in Cavan earlier this week.

“I am concerned,” admitted Minister O’Callaghan, when pressed for answers on the dangers posed by radicalised groups using the internet as a breeding ground for spreading extremist ideologies on the opening day (Monday, February 3).

Standing next to his Northern Irish counterpart, Justice Minister Naomi Long, he warned that radicalisation is not only a criminal justice issue but a societal one.

“It is for the criminal justice system to confront, but also for education to inform people about the dangers of radicalisation.”

This growing threat, Minister Long said, has already spilled into violence in towns like Ballymena, where minorities have been attacked by far-right groups emboldened by the anonymity of the internet.

She pointed too to the alarming role of social media platforms in hosting extremist content and its creators.

“I think [social media companies] could go much further,” Minister Long said, accusing the platforms of enabling unchecked hate. “Nobody is verified on social media, allowing people to act with impunity.”

Minister Long expressed frustration with the lack of accountability among tech companies, who she accused of turning a blind eye to dealing with the issue.

“I think we are part of a more global problem,” she said, highlighting that some social media giants wield more influence than entire nation states.

“We need to understand that dynamic and look at how we can deal with mis, dis, and mal information.”

Minister O’Callaghan meanwhile suggested there is a need to “dial down some of the heat” on this issue and allow people to live “safe and secure lives”.

Responding to a similar set of questions, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly expressed his grave concern about such emerging threats.

The recent surge in online radicalisation has given these fringe elements a platform to spread hate and disinformation, and law enforcement agencies are rallying to respond with increased vigilance.

“We’ve had a number of operations where we’ve targeted some of these groups,” Comm Kelly explained.

However, he made it clear while the numbers of people involved are small, the risk they pose is nonetheless significant.

“There is a risk with it. Because you have people that are very motivated,” he stated.

The Chief Constable of the PSNI, Jon Boutcher, said misinformation has been a “significant factor” in a lot of the actions witnessed by the police in Northern Ireland, amplifying radicalisation and contributing to increased disorder.

Comm Kelly pointed out that one of the critical aspects of countering radicalisation is early intervention.

“We have seen in the last couple of years a number of cases with young, particularly young men, who are radicalised, particularly again, online,” he said.

Early interventions, coupled with proactive engagement with community partners, he believes, are vital to prevent further escalation.

“Some of these groups are targeting young people.

We know that, and that’s not just our experience here, but across Europe,” said Comm Kelly.

The theme of the cross border police conference was ‘Tackling the Business Model of Organised Crime: One Threat – Shared Responsibility’ and topics that will be explored include ‘People’, ‘Finance’ and ‘Technology’ and ‘Merchandise’.

Law Enforcement Agencies in attendance included An Garda Síochána, Irish Revenue Customs, the PSNI, the UK National Crime Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, and UK Border Control.

Another major issue highlighted was the growing human trafficking networks exploiting the open border between the two jurisdictions. The absence of stringent border controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has provided traffickers with an almost unimpeded route to move victims, a troubling reality acknowledged by both ministers who emphasised the urgent need to address the crisis head-on.

Minister O’Callaghan highlighted the role of Operation Sonnet in that regard, though accepted the lack of border posts - a consequence of the agreed Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland post-Brexit - is being exploited.

“It is very difficult to solve an issue when you’ve got an open border,” he said, adding that no one is suggesting a return to putting up “border posts”.

“Regrettably, the open border does leave it vulnerable to abuse by criminals, particularly human traffickers and drug dealers.”

The vulnerability is evident in the rising number of international protection applications being made at the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin.

Around 90% of the applications made to the International Protection Office this year were made at the office itself Minister O’Callaghan confirmed, a stat which leads to the assumption that many individuals entering the Republic are likely travelling across the border from Northern Ireland.

“It takes a network of agencies to tackle organised crime groups,” Mr Boutcher responded, reinforcing the critical importance of collaboration across both sides of the border.

Despite these challenges, both Comm Kelly and Mr Boutcher are optimistic about the strength of the cross-border cooperation between both policing authorities.

“The relationship between An Garda Síochána and PSNI is unique,” Mr Boutcher stated.

“We’ve got all the right people in the room... this isn’t something that happens elsewhere. This is a positive.”