Intelligence-led operations were conducted across six divisions of An Garda Síochána at the weekend.
36 individuals in Ireland were stopped and spoken to by An Garda Síochána over the weekend arising from suspicion of having purchased sexual services from individuals involved in prostitution.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday (26-28 April), An Garda Síochána conducted intelligence-led operations across six of its divisions, nationally, urban and rural (DMR (Dublin Metropolitan Region) North, DMR East, DMR South Central, Wexford, Louth and Kildare to target the demand for prostitution and to enforce legislation which criminalises the purchase of sexual services.
The Days of Action were coordinated by the ‘Operation Quest’ team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, in liaison with local Detective Units.
As a result of Gardaí investigations, a number of files will be prepared for forwarding to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to establishing if any criminal prosecution should be initiated, arising from the Days of Action.
An Garda Síochána says that the operation reinforces its commitment to target the demand for prostitution and to protect vulnerable persons, including victims of human trafficking involved in prostitution.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 criminalises the purchase of sexual services and the soliciting or purchasing of sex from a trafficked person.
The act in full can be read here.
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