Dozens of women working in Ireland's sex industry are being interviewed as witnesses in a probe targeting an organised crime group suspected of running a nationwide prostitution operation. The network operated across numerous towns and cities, including during the pandemic.
Fourteen individuals, believed to be key organisers based in the Czech Republic, were arrested and charged last November for activities between 2019 and last year. The ongoing investigation focuses on communication methods used by the group to manage their Irish operations.
Czech authorities found the group recruited vulnerable women, arranging their transport, accommodation, and customer communications. Covert communication via mobile apps with nicknames was central to their operation.
Ruth Breslin of the SERP Institute welcomed the investigation, highlighting the vulnerability of many sex workers in Ireland and urging government action against both exploiters and the technology facilitating the sex trade.