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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Gavin O'Callaghan

Gardai question 36 people across Leinster as part of huge crackdown aimed at people buying sex

Thirty-six people have been questioned after gardai held a huge crackdown aimed at sex-buyers across Leinster.

Officers held three days of action across Dublin as well as Wexford, Kildare and Louth.

The Operation 'Quest' team worked with local detectives to stop and question 36 people with a spokesperson saying files are now being prepared for the DPP.

They said the aim was to "protect vulnerable people" as many brought into to prostitution industry are victims of human trafficking.

'Clear message sent' after Meath man becomes first person to be convicted of paying for sex 

A spokesperson said: "On the 26th, 27th and 28th of April 2019, An Garda Síochána conducted intelligence led operations across six (6) of its divisions, nationally, urban and rural (DMR North, DMR East, DMR South Central, Wexford, Louth and Kildare to target the demand for prostitution and to enforce legislation which criminalises the purchase of sexual services.

A stock image of a prostitute in a brothel (Getty Images)

"These Days of Action were coordinated by the ‘Operation Quest’ team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, in liaison with local Detective Units.

"During the course of this intelligence led operation, thirty-six (36) individuals where stopped and spoken to by members of An Garda Síochána, arising from suspicion of having purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.

Man becomes first ever person to be convicted of paying for sex in Ireland following Blanchardstown brothel raid 

"A number of files will now be prepared for forwarding to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to establishing if any criminal prosecution should be initiated, arising from the Days of Action.

"This operation reinforces An Garda Síochána’s commitment to target the demand for prostitution and to protect vulnerable persons, including victims of human trafficking involved in prostitution."

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