Gardaí have identified a number of potential human trafficking victims working in the sex industry in Ireland as part of a major international operation.

The global operation targeting human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced begging and forced criminality, involved police forces and agencies in 44 different countries.

Operation EMPACT aims to detect and disrupt organised crime groups involved in human trafficking – with a particular focus on child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging.

The operation led to 212 arrests and the identification of 1,426 potential victims.

Meanwhile, 244 new investigations were launched.

In Ireland, Gardaí inspected several different premises in Monaghan, Louth and Dublin between May 8th and May 12th.

They spoke to “a number of potential victims of human trafficking” at the locations.

Several women were identified as working in the sex industry and were put in contact with the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit.

Gardaí said they will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners on the identification of new victims so they can be removed from harm.

Gardaí also monitored flights and provided a visible presence at Dublin and Cork Airport and Dublin Port during the operation.