Man arrested in Donegal over human trafficking

A man was arrested by gardaí on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking.

The man, who is in his 40s, was arrested in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, during a “search and arrest operation” that involved a number of residential properties.

Searches were also carried out at a number of other locations during the operation. Detectives seized mobile phones and computers at the property, which will be assessed by special Garda units.

The investigation can be traced back to August 30th when gardaí at Letterkenny carried out an operation during which five men were safely removed from a business premises on Pearse Road, Letterkenny. A sixth man was located elsewhere in Letterkenny Town.

All six men, aged 21-45 years, were relocated to “safe and secure accommodation” during the operation.

The investigation, which is continuing, is being led by gardaí at Letterkenny.

The Garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit, the Romanian authorities, the Department of Justice and other Government agencies are assisting detectives.

The arrested man is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Letterkenny Garda Station. He can be detained for up to 24 hours.