Ford welcomes recovery of potential victims of human trafficking

3.27.00pm GMT Fri 3rd Sep 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the recovery of 15 potential victims of human trafficking and the arrest of three suspected traffickers across the UK.

The PSNI were involved in a successful UK-wide operation, Operation Apsis, to recover victims of organised crime gangs involved in human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. As part of the operation, the PSNI searched a number of premises in Belfast which they believed were operating as brothels.

Welcoming the news, Justice Minister David Ford said, "Human trafficking is a vile crime and has no place in any decent society. I am horrified that these victims have been subjected to such treatment.

"Their needs are therefore very much at the centre of this operation. The potential victims recovered in Northern Ireland will now receive the care and support they need under the DOJ Victims Support package to help them recover from their traumatic experiences and to help them to rebuild their lives."

Congratulating those involved in the operation, Mr Ford continued, "I congratulate and thank all those in the PSNI Organised Crime Branch and praise the efforts of investigating officers over many weeks which led to today's operation."