Gardaí Complete EU-Wide Labour Exploitation Operation Across 148 Irish Locations
Gardaí complete major EU labour exploitation operation: 148 locations inspected, 537 people interviewed across Ireland in September.
- An Garda Síochána has concluded its participation in a major European operation targeting labour exploitation, inspecting 148 locations across Ireland and interviewing 537 people from 39 different nationalities during the nine-day initiative in September.
The EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) operation ran from 20th to 28th September 2025, with Gardaí working alongside European law enforcement authorities and Europol to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation.
Gardaí from the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) conducted the inspections alongside representatives from the Workplace Relations Commission, Revenue Commissioners, and the Department of Social Protection.
During the comprehensive operation, officers interviewed 537 individuals representing 39 different nationalities. While no human trafficking offences were disclosed in Ireland during the inspections, correspondence was issued to several individuals regarding their immigration status.
The multi-agency approach reflects the complex nature of human trafficking, which involves the trade of humans for forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation.
An Garda Síochána has emphasised its commitment to continuing close collaboration with Europol and other law enforcement partners to identify and protect potential victims of trafficking.
The force is urging any victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward, either by visiting a local Garda station or calling the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111. All contacts will be treated with the utmost confidence.
Members of the public with information about suspected human trafficking or exploitation are also encouraged to report their concerns through the same confidential channels.
EMPACT provides an integrated approach to EU internal security, combining measures from border controls and police cooperation to judicial collaboration and information management. The initiative targets the most serious threats from organised international crime affecting the EU, strengthening cooperation between national authorities, EU bodies, and international partners.
Further information about human trafficking and sexual exploitation is available at www.blueblindfold.ie.
