Four arrests in investigation into trafficking and exploitation of Romanian women – The Irish News

Four people have been arrested as part of a PSNI investigation into suspected human trafficking of Romanian women for sexual exploitation.

The arrests followed searches in Ballymena and Omagh on Tuesday by detectives from the PSNI’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit.

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly said: “Three men, aged 27, 31 and 52, and a 21-year-old woman, were each arrested on suspicion of trafficking for sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution for personal gain, keeping a brothel and money laundering.

“All four are currently still in custody.”

She added that police believe an organised crime group “has persuaded Romanian women to travel to Northern Ireland with the false promise of a better quality of life”.

“The shocking reality is that upon arrival the women are forced into prostitution and are exploited,” she said.

“So far in this operation we have identified and provided protection to one female victim, but we believe there are others yet to be identified.”