01/12/2008

Irish Police Target Human Trafficking

Alleged people trafficking is being targeted across Ireland with news today that gardaí in Dublin are continuing to question three people in connection with the disappearance of a Romanian teenager earlier this year.

The news comes soon after a separate initiative by the PSNI in Northern Ireland, which led to a woman's court appearance over the past weekend, when she was charged with controlling prostitution.

The charge was linked to the PSNI's rescue of two women believed to be the victims of human trafficking in Belfast.

Today's news from the Irish Republic relates to a separate hunt for a nineteen-year-old, Marioara Rostas, who was last seen on Lombard Street, Dublin, on January 6.

Gardaí are concerned she may have been held against her will since then.

A woman and two men are now being questioned about her whereabouts at different Gardaí stations in Dublin.

Another woman who was also being questioned was released without charge yesterday.

Last week's PSNI operation - on Saturday - led to Sook Cheng Wong from Tates Avenue, Belfast, appearing before a Belfast court.

She spoke through an interpreter only to confirm she understood the charge against her.

A second woman is to appear in court this month on charges of controlling prostitution and money laundering.

Police also seized £25,000 in cash in the operation in the greater Belfast area.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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