Issue Date: 01/07/2026
As part of ongoing investigations targeting organised prostitution and related criminal activity, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), conducted an operation in Limerick on 30th June 2026.
During the operation, members of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit (HTICU), with support from local Garda personnel and the Southern Regional Dog Unit, conducted a search of a residential property in the Limerick City area. During the search, a substantial quantity of cash—estimated to exceed €700,000—was recovered.
A male in his 50s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the Southern Region.
Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters of the GNPSB commented on the operation:
"An Garda Síochána, through the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit, the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU), and local Divisional Units, work closely with international law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable people from sexual exploitation. This most recent operation highlights our ongoing commitment to pursuing individuals and groups who facilitate sexual exploitation and to ensuring that they are brought before the courts.
If you have been affected by sexual exploitation, please remember that our Divisional Protective Services units are here to support you. You can contact us in complete confidence.
If you are concerned about someone you know, we encourage you to come forward and share any information with An Garda Síochána. Your actions could help protect others and make a difference.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact any Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or Blueblindfold@garda.ie
