Northern Ireland

Man still in custody after human trafficking arrests

Modern slavery is often described as a 'hidden crime'
Modern slavery is often described as a 'hidden crime' Modern slavery is often described as a 'hidden crime'

A WOMAN arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering has been released on police bail.

The 27-year-old was detained in the Antrim area on Sunday by detectives in the PSNI’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit.

She was among eight people arrested in one of the biggest such police operations in Northern Ireland.

The arrests took place in a number of locations.

A 57-year-old man arrested in Belfast on suspicion of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering remains in police custody.

A further six men, aged between 20 and 54, arrested on suspicion of paying for sexual services, have been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.