And so it begins

[fallenangel2002]

36 people questioned by gardaí as part of weekend operation targeting the buying of sex
Gardaí said they carried out operations in six divisions last weekend.

A TOTAL OF 36 people were stopped and questioned by gardaí as part of an intelligence-led operation targeting the demand for prostitution and the purchasing of sexual services over the past few days.

Gardaí said they carried out operations in six divisions last weekend, from Friday to Sunday, aimed at enforcing the provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

The recently introduced act criminalises the purchase of sexual services and the soliciting or purchasing of sex from a trafficked person. They came into effect early in 2017.

The Act prosecutes a person who “pays, gives, offers or promises to pay or give a person (including a prostitute) money” or any other kind of remuneration to engage in sexual activity. Advertising sex work has been prohibited since 1994.

The new laws gained support from a number of advocacy groups, but were criticised by others – like the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) – who claimed that they made life more dangerous for sex workers.

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According to court reports, the first person to be convicted under the act was in January. He was fined €200.

Gardaí said that it carried out operations in DMR North, DMR East, DMR South Central, Wexford, Louth and Kildare.

A total of 36 individuals were stopped and spoken to by gardaí over suspicion of having purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.

A number of files are now being prepared for forwarding to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The DPP will then decide if any criminal proceedings should be initiated.

Gardaí said that the operation reinforces their “commitment to target the demand for prostitution and to protect vulnerable persons, including victims of human trafficking involved in prostitution”.

[johnwin530]

[TonyB]

36 people who didn't have enough sense to keep their mouths shut.

I really hope you're right but I honestly don't think denial is sufficient.
Despite the claims that proof of payment is required, I believe these 36 were found leaving a known escort who probably advertised here. In my opinion no court will believe that no transaction took place after spending 20+ minutes in the apartment of an escort.

[TonyB]

For this reason I have been and for the foreseeable future only get take out to a hotel room in my name.
Highly unlikely I will be caught

[gonzo76]

36 people who didn't have enough sense to keep their mouths shut.

One swallow doesn't make a summer. A public show followed by many months of inaction no doubt, as usual.

Same as speeding, drink driving etc. The resources simply aren't there to maintain a significant level of enforcement, so from time to time a highly public and visible show that rattles the cages.

I still remember all the people driving like little old ladies when the penalty points came in, until they realised there are no more guards than usual out on the beat.

[johnwin530]

I am sure some of the usual suspects are having a little Peeping Tom to see how everyone is reacting

[Barney Rubble]

I really hope you're right but I honestly don't think denial is sufficient.
Despite the claims that proof of payment is required, I believe these 36 were found leaving a known escort who probably advertised here. In my opinion no court will believe that no transaction took place after spending 20+ minutes in the apartment of an escort.

Stay overnight, the feckers will be asleep when you're leaving .

[homealone1]

I really hope you're right but I honestly don't think denial is sufficient.
Despite the claims that proof of payment is required, I believe these 36 were found leaving a known escort who probably advertised here. In my opinion no court will believe that no transaction took place after spending 20+ minutes in the apartment of an escort.

Can't convict without proof

So unless one party gives evidence that there was payment for sex no proof no conviction unless they have the place bugged, and it's not that serious an issue unless there is people trafficking going on.

[TheNightShift]

Hi there,

This thread will be closed since the topic is already being discussed in an older thread.

Please refer to the aforementioned here --> https://www.escort-ireland.com/board...peration-Quest

Lizzy