Two arrested in Dublin as part of global anti-trafficking operation

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

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

Gardaí from the National Protective Services Agency and the Immigration Office and Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit carried out the operation between September 29 and October 4.

One person was arrested earlier this year in connection with an alleged human trafficking incident. Another individual 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.

Gardaí 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.

Gardaí are also appealing for anyone with any information about these horrific crimes or suspects to come forward.

The Interpol operation made approximately 2,517 arrests in 116 countries, including 850 during the week on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges.

It also led to the rescue of 3,222 potential human trafficking victims. More than 17,000 illegal migrants were also identified.

Police raids and fortified strategic border points were carried out and almost 24,000 flights were monitored. Officers were also deployed to known hotspots for human trafficking and smuggling.

Nearly eight million checks were carried out on Interpol databases around the world.