Gardai have launched a major operation aimed at protecting those in the sex trade.
Last Thursday and Friday, officers across 16 divisions carried out intelligence led searches in 11 counties.
These included Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Galway, Dublin, Kildare, Donegal, Cavan and Louth.
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During the course of the operation, 46 people were identified as having allegedly purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.
Meanwhile 65 safeguarding visits were carried out with a view to eliminating the possibility of sexual exploitation and 112 sex workers were offered welfare advice and encouraged to avail of expert services.
Five search warrants were executed in relation to the organisation of prostitution, and €3,000 and $500 was seized from a male in the South Eastern Region who is suspected of being involved in organised prostitution.
In addition, a number of reports were made to gardai - including a ‘pimp’ suspected of controlling sex workers’ earnings.
Gardai said: “In the East of the country, a sex worker contacted a local Garda Station to report the location where they believe sex workers work for a ‘pimp’ who is suspected of controlling their earnings. The location has been identified by gardai and enquiries are ongoing.”
Officers were also contacted by a sex worker who is the victim of assault by a client, and have launched an investigation while following a definite line of enquiry.
As a result of this operation, a number of files are now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to determining if any criminal prosecution can be initiated.
As part of its support for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, gardai have also launched a text message campaign which is aimed at offering confidential support to those working in the sex trade.
Speaking today, Detective Chief Superintendent, Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: "This ongoing work is all in an effort to strengthen our link with those involved in the sex trade in order to increase trust and raise greater awareness of the services that are available to them.
"The Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit within our bureau regularly carry out safeguarding checks of people who are involved in the sex trade. This is especially important so that gardai can identify anyone who may be vulnerable or who is being sexually exploited or trafficked. Our unit is also cognisant of those who are working independently in the sex trade.
"Any person involved in the sex trade can be assured that An Garda Siochana is here to listen, and will treat any report of a crime against them very seriously and sensitively – whether it is assault, theft or criminality of other kind. "
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