TWO LATVIAN MEN has been arrested this morning for organised crime related offences by Gardaí who are investigating the alleged trafficking of people into Ireland for labour exploitation purposes. 

The men who have been arrested (aged 35 and 28) are being detained in Garda stations in Donegal. 

The investigating Gardaí behind this operation have been working with international colleagues from Latvia law enforcement. 

Enforcement activity is also being carried out in Latvia today. 

Europol has supported the operation that led to arrests being made today, and Europol officers are currently present in Donegal. 

Gardaí are appealing to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or labour exploitation to speak to a garda, either at their local station or by calling the garda confidential phone number on 1800 666 111. 

A spokesperson for the Gardaí said:

“An Garda Síochána understands that victims of these crimes may not always be in a position to report themselves, maybe there is opportunity to speak to a Garda who you might meet at any location.

“Importantly, An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects that any person is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Síochána, either at your local garda station the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Síochána.”

The investigation team in Donegal has been assisted by local, divisional and national units including the human trafficking investigation and coordination unit, the garda national cyber crime bureau, the garda mutual assistance section and the garda siochana analysis service.