Police in 'brothel' raid initiative
POTENTIAL victims of human trafficking have been rescued by police following a series of raids of suspected brothels in Belfast.
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch took part in the planned UK-wide operation on Friday.
'Operation Apsis' combined the expertise of PSNI officers and detectives from other law enforcement agencies across the UK.
Police searched a number of addresses in the city centre and it is believed a number of foreign women were rescued.
A total of fifteen properties were searched across the UK, and three people have been detained.
Some of the suspects who were detained outside Northern Ireland are being brought to the province for questioning.
Detective Chief Superintendent Roy McComb, head of the PSNI Organised Crime Branch, said human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable people remained a "high priority" for police.
"This is modern day slavery where human beings are treated like commodities by sophisticated organised crime gangs who are making substantial criminal profits from the sex trade.
"These gangs have no thought for the health and wellbeing of their victims. They see them simply as instruments to help them generate cash."
He added: "The PSNI, working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies worldwide, will continue to disrupt and dismantle these gangs, wherever and whenever they come to our attention. I would ask anyone who has suspicions about individuals or properties to contact police."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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