Human trafficking in Ireland is shifting toward a digital-first model, with criminal networks increasingly using social media to groom vulnerable victims and facilitate sexual exploitation. According to Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, investigators identified 114 victims in 2025—a 70% increase over the previous year—as traffickers exploit global displacement and religious trust to lure young women into the sex trade.
The Evolution of Recruitment and Grooming
Criminal networks are no longer relying solely on traditional methods to identify targets. Det Supt Maguire reports that traffickers are now actively infiltrating religious groups in South America to build trust and recruit victims. Once contact is made, the exploitation often moves to social media, where traffickers manufacture “friendships” to offer victims a path to a “better life” abroad.
The speed of this transition is stark. Once a victim arrives in Ireland, they are often placed on sexual websites within 24 hours. Traffickers enforce strict quotas, frequently requiring victims to provide sexual services to between 10 and 12 clients per day. While law enforcement has not yet confirmed the widespread use of artificial intelligence in these grooming processes, Det Supt Maguire warns that such technology is likely already being deployed by criminal syndicates to scale their operations.
Did you know?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of individuals advertising sex for sale in Ireland dropped to approximately 200 per day. As of 2024 and 2025, that figure has surged to more than 1,100 daily, reflecting a significant post-pandemic rise in the commercial sex trade.
Shifting National Trends in Trafficking
While Europol identifies high numbers of trafficking victims originating from countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela, Ireland’s demographic trends differ. Det Supt Maguire notes that Ireland is seeing a significant uptick in victims from Brazil, China, and Romania.
The rise in Brazilian nationals being trafficked for sexual exploitation is a trend mirrored across Europe, moving from initial entry points in Spain and Portugal. Because there are no direct flights between Brazil and Ireland, victims are typically routed through other European nations, where they are often exploited before ever reaching Irish soil. With a Brazilian diaspora in Ireland now exceeding 80,000, authorities warn that this population remains particularly vulnerable to exploitation by members of their own communities.
Labour Exploitation and Forced Criminality
Sexual exploitation is only one facet of the trafficking crisis. Labour exploitation—often found in industries like nail bars, car washes, and agriculture—remains notoriously difficult for authorities to track. Victims in these sectors often work extreme hours for little or no pay, with their wages entirely controlled by traffickers.
The state secured its first conviction for labour trafficking last month. Two men, Georgijs Poniza and Armen Pogosyan, were sentenced to a combined 24 years in prison for the exploitation of seven victims recruited from Latvia. Victims in this case described their treatment as being “like a slave trade,” highlighting the severe psychological and physical toll of these operations.
Beyond labour, trafficking for forced criminality is also prevalent. Det Supt Maguire points to the use of undocumented individuals—or those on legitimate student and work visas—in cannabis grow houses, where they are coerced into illegal activities under threat of violence or deportation.
The Impact of Global Displacement
Traffickers consistently capitalize on global crises. The financial instability in Brazil during the pandemic and the ongoing displacement of people from conflict zones have provided new pools of vulnerable individuals. However, the anticipated surge in trafficking linked to the war in Ukraine did not materialize in Ireland to the extent feared. Det Supt Maguire attributes this to robust state-led support systems that provided refugees with housing and stability, effectively reducing their vulnerability to criminal recruiters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do traffickers get victims into Ireland?
Traffickers often use legitimate travel routes, including transit through other European countries. Some victims arrive on fake documents, while others use valid student or work visas to enter the country before being forced into sexual or labour exploitation.
Are Irish organized crime groups involved in sex trafficking?
According to Det Supt Maguire, there is no evidence that Irish organized crime gangs are central to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The vast majority of these operations are carried out by foreign nationals exploiting people from their own countries.
Why is trafficking in the Chinese community difficult to investigate?
Authorities report that the Chinese community in Ireland is difficult to reach due to significant language barriers and a pervasive sense of fear, which prevents many victims from coming forward to report their circumstances.
If you have information regarding human trafficking or suspect exploitation, contact your local Garda station or the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. Stay informed on public safety issues by subscribing to our monthly newsletter or exploring our archive of investigative reports.
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