Two Held Over Prostitution In NI

Two foreign national women have been arrested as part of a major police operation into prostitution and human trafficking.

Police say four searches were carried out in the Belfast area as part of a 6 week investigation.

The investigation has centered on "suspected criminal gangs involved in controlling prostitution across Northern Ireland".

Investigations are ongoing in Northern Ireland and across Europe.

Prostitution ‘Clients’ Targeted

Last week revealed that as part of a crack-down on trafficking police were visiting a number of men who are believed to have paid for sex with trafficked women.

In total it is understood 15 men will be targeted in a bid to deter them from using such services.

The PSNI wish to rescue the victims of trafficking crimes and have also said that currently five investigations into organised crime gangs forcing women into prostitution are ongoing.

The police involved with the case have told the BBC that the word “client” for those using the services should be replaced with “exploiters” or in some cases even “rapists”.

In the same report police told the BBC that the UK sex industry had moved in recent years from the street corner to private rental accommodation and hotels.

"The reality is where you will have people literally enslaved and forced to sell their body several times a day".

(LB)