A man in his 50s has been arrested and more than €700,000 in cash has been seized during a garda operation targeting organised prostitution in Limerick.
Ruhama, which supports women affected by prostitution, has welcomed the Garda operation, describing organised prostitution for the purpose of sexual exploitation as a heinous crime.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau carried out the operation in the city on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation into organised prostitution, human trafficking and suspected money laundering.
The cash was recovered during the raid on a house in the city by members of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit.
They were assisted by local gardaí and the Southern Regional Dog Unit.
A man was arrested at the scene and is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a Garda station in the Southern Region.
Ruhama described organised prostitution for the purpose of sexual exploitation as a heinous crime.
Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters says the operation demonstrates the gardaí’s commitment to targeting individuals and organised crime groups involved in the sexual exploitation of vulnerable people.
She says gardaí work closely with international law enforcement agencies to investigate human trafficking and organised prostitution.
She urged anyone affected by sexual exploitation, or anyone with information, to contact Gardaí in confidence.
“If you have been affected by sexual exploitation, please remember that our Divisional Protective Services units are here to support you. You can contact us in complete confidence,” said Detective Chief Supt Watters.
“If you are concerned about someone you know, we encourage you to come forward and share any information with An Garda Síochána. Your actions could help protect others and make a difference.”
Ruhama praised gardaí for their continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks involved in sexual exploitation and to pursue complex investigations.
Ruhama said it remains available to assist victims, including through its services in Limerick.