Press Release: Senator Mullen Welcomes Sentencing of “Evil and Manipulative People” in Irish Sex-Trafficking Case

Press Release – 4 February 2010

Senator Mullen welcomes sentencing of “evil and manipulative people” in Irish sex-trafficking case - Ireland must become ‘cold house for traffickers’ by criminalising purchase of sex

Independent NUI Senator Rónán Mullen today welcomed the sentencing by the Cardiff Crown Court of three Irish citizens who ran a prostitution and sex-trafficking ring located in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

“Justice has caught up the evil and manipulative people who organised a lucrative and sophisticated sex-trafficking ring”, said Senator Mullen. “The victims of this trafficking, some of whom were minors, were lured to Ireland from as far away as Nigeria and South America with the promise of a new life - only to find themselves abused and exploited by unscrupulous organised criminals and the punters who paid to have sex with them.”

“It is abundantly clear that this is not an isolated case and that sex-trafficking is becoming an increasing problem here in Ireland. The provision in the 2008 Human Trafficking legislation which makes it a crime to knowingly avail of the services of a trafficked person is too weak. Last year I introduced a private members motion aimed at the protection of victims of human trafficking – including the need to criminalise the purchase of sex. Such legislation has been successfully adopted in Sweden, Iceland and Norway and should be introduced here. It would help make this country a cold house for traffickers of any kind. I urge the Government to wake up to its responsibilities in this area,” Senator Mullen concluded.