4 women rescued from human trafficking
2 men were also arrested as part of a police investigation into an organised crime gang.
Last updated 26th May 2017
Four women have been rescued from forced prostitution after PSNI operations in east Belfast and Banbridge yesterday.
Two men aged 20 and 28 were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution and money laundering.
Police say it's part of an extensive investigation into an organised criminal gang with eastern European links.
The searches were carried out at properties on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast and at Kenlis Street in Banbridge on Thursday.
The 20 year old man was arrested in Belfast where one woman was rescued. The other arrest of a man and rescue of three women took place in Banbridge.
A further search was conducted in London by our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police, however no further victims were located or arrests made.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell said:
“PSNI are committed to tackling those involved in human trafficking and taking the unfortunate victims of this despicable trade to safety. To help us do this we require the public to be aware of what is going on around them and to report anything they believe to be suspicious.
"We will act on any information received and continue to target these criminal gangs. Anyone with any concerns or information about trafficking or any other criminal activity should contact their local police on 101.”