Human trafficking: Seven arrests made in slavery operation.

[Punter08]

Areas hit, Banbridge, Belfast and Antrim.

Seven people have been arrested in one of the biggest police operations in Northern Ireland targeting modern slavery and human trafficking.

The arrests took place in a number of locations.

A 57-year-old man from the Banbridge area was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of human trafficking, controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested in the Antrim area on similar charges.

Five other men are in custody - the youngest aged 20 and the eldest 52 - on suspicion of paying for sexual services.

Last year, 59 potential modern slavery victims were rescued by police during human trafficking operations.

More than a third of those are thought to have been victims of sexual exploitation.

The lead officer on the investigation believes there may be several female victims in this case.

'Hidden crime'
Speaking to the BBC, Det Mark Bell said: "They do say that modern slavery is a hidden crime, hidden in plain sight.

"When it comes to the victims in investigations in sexual exploitations, many of those victims do not actually see themselves as victims.


"The more awareness we can raise will hopefully lead to more people having the courage to pick up the phone."

Searches were carried out at several locations and a number of electronic devices were seized.

The individuals are being held and questioned at police stations across Northern Ireland.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49872581

[Punter08]

This article claims arrests made in Stewartstown, Carrickfergus, Banbridge, Newtownabbey and Omagh on suspicion of paying for sexual services. Youngest arrest was a 20 year old.

String of arrests made as part of human trafficking for sexual services investigation.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested in Belfast on suspicion of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering.

A number of electronic devices were seized as part of a search connected with the arrest.

A 27-year-old woman has also been arrested in the Antrim area on suspicion of controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering.

A further five men have been arrested in Stewartstown, Carrickfergus, Banbridge, Newtownabbey and Omagh on suspicion of paying for sexual services.

The arrests are part of an eight-month long investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Northern Ireland, according to police.

Detective Inspector Mark Bell said: "I want to appeal to victims to come forward to police. I want you to get the help and support that you need.

"Perhaps you are in this position but don’t think that you are being exploited. I’d urge you to have a think about the people around you and if there is anyone who is pushing you in a certain direction or financially benefiting from your activities, please make contact with the police.

"Whilst the sale of sex in itself is not a crime in Northern Ireland, it is a criminal offence to purchase sex. I want to make it very clear – if you are paying for sexual services, you are committing a crime. Furthermore, you cannot be sure that the person providing the services has not been forced to or trafficked to make a profit for the person controlling them.

"We are committed to protecting victims and targeting those who exploit or cause harm. We are working as hard as we can but we cannot tackle this problem alone. We rely on our strong working relationships with a range of partners but we need the public’s help. I would also ask people to contact us with any concerns that they may have by calling 999 if it’s an emergency, or 101. There’s also a Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.”

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/n...-38545026.html

[SteveB]

One interesting remark; Speaking to the BBC, Det Mark Bell said: "They do say that modern slavery is a hidden crime, hidden in plain sight.

"When it comes to the victims in investigations in sexual exploitations, many of those victims do not actually see themselves as victims.
So, you may be a victim, even if you do not know it!?? Kinda drives a coach and four through the idea of law in general, and consent in particular.

Certainly made me think. Here am I, going to my favourite restaurant and ordering what I think I like to eat. I am probably eating something I do not like at all. Maybe I should get Mark Bell to advise me as to what I really like?

[SteveB]

Victims exist, but this is "tarring everyone with the same brush"

[isabella-bertucci]

Ever year at September time they do this stories.
2019 we don’t have a freedom to do what we want to do about our body.
I agreed with you traffic human exist but in generally most of the escort work for they self.in my opinion they should force we pay tax registered us work girls ,and all win.governo get tax and can invest on the policy for investigation on the human trafficking,woman’s work safe and relief.clients have they own privacy keep. So simple in my view

[johnwin530]

Last year, 59 potential modern slavery victims were rescued by police during human trafficking operations. More than a third of those are thought to have been victims of sexual exploitation.

I would be curious to know what form of labour exploitation the other nearly two-thirds of potential modern slavery victims were forced into, And did they know they were victims or are they also confused?

[Forceuser]

Last year, 59 potential modern slavery victims were rescued by police during human trafficking operations.

Always be wary of press releases from the media and law enforcement

For instance,that quote is from april and is actually :

"Bell said that during the last year his team had investigated 59 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking"


Theres a hell of a difference between those two statements!

[Apeasant19]

So is this punting dead in the north ?

It just lie low for a couple of weeks?

[Dom Dunn]

So is this punting dead in the north ?

It just lie low for a couple of weeks?

Punting will never die anywhere in the world. Even in countries like Iraq and Iran where you can end up in jail for a long time if apprehended the fire down below ensures an underground industry still exists.
The abolitionists think they can put out this fire but they are in for a rude awakening down the line. Sadly a lot of people will suffer and some will lose their lives along the way but punting will still be with us long after everybody on this site has
gone to heaven.

[Punter08]

So is this punting dead in the north ?

It just lie low for a couple of weeks?

Shouldn’t be a problem if you stick to independent escorts, avoid 3 or more escorts in one apartment, stick to escorts with reviews and a twitter account.

It says this operation was going on for 8 months so i imagine it was 3 or more escorts, judging by the posts on facebook the street was well known by the locals and i suspect it was them who blew the whistle.