How to report suspicious activity
In an emergency situation, report suspicious activity by phone to your local Garda station or by dialling 999.
If you suspect sex trafficking contact the Garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit anonymously at 1800 666 111 daily from 9am to 9pm. This confidential freephone number is monitored by trained Gardaí or email blueblindfold@garda.ie. While there is no requirement to provide your name or address, we advise that you provide as much information as you can to enable An Garda Síochána to investigate thoroughly.
More information about human trafficking can be found at blueblindfold.ie and at anyonetrafficked.com
All reports to the Gardai will be treated in the strictest confidence. It is vital to understand that sexual exploitation happens every day in Ireland and one phone call could be the difference in supporting someone to break the cycle of this heinous crime.
Know the Signs of Sex Trafficking
While it is important to be aware that people can exhibit many different behaviours as a result of having experienced sex trafficking, there are some common signs that may help you to recognise a potential victim. Trafficked people are not always locked in a room, they can be seen out in the community – hairdressers, pharmacies, taxis and a range of other services. This does not mean that they are not being controlled and are not trafficked – rather the coercion and control are invisible. Reporting is anonymous. If you have suspicions the safest action is to report. These are:
- Uncertainty around their legal status (a lack of ID or other legal documentation)
- Uncertainty around their housing situation or living circumstances
- Lack of control of their finances
- Not being allowed to speak for themselves or make their own decisions
- Not having access to their own money or mentioning owing a large debt to someone else for entry to Ireland
- Offering overly sexualised answers or negotiating in a sexual way
- Mentioning living in multiple places over a short period of time/ “touring”
- A lack of English or literacy skills
- Watching the clock in meetings or seeming to always have limited time to do things
For the public
- Constantly seeing new neighbours in your community or what appear to be different neighbours every few weeks
- High turnover of men coming in and out of house
- High turnover of tenants in a rented house
- Curtains being pulled down
- Appearing dishevelled, bruised, injured, or malnourished
- Seeming disoriented or not knowing where they are
- Expressions of being isolated, anxious, or frightened
- A lack of friends or acquaintances in Ireland
Hospitality Industry
Hotel employees are often in a good position to identify signs of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and may have direct or indirect contact with both traffickers and victims. No single indicator is necessarily proof of trafficking but recognising the signs is the first step in identifying possible victims.
- Defers to another person to speak for them
- Appears to be coached on what to say, or their responses seem rehearsed
- Appears to be traveling with few or no personal items, such as luggage or other bags
- Seems to be with a “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or romantic partner who is noticeably older
- Appears to be with a group of girls traveling with an older male or female
- Appears to have no control over their money and/or ID
- Appears to not have freedom of movement
- Uses the “Do Not Disturb” sign constantly
- Refuses cleaning services for multiple days
- Leaves the room infrequently, not at all, or at odd hours
- Does not know the hotel name or area where they are
- Pays for their room with cash or pre-loaded credit card
- Seems unforthcoming about their full name, home address, or vehicle information when registering
- Rents the room by the hour, for less than a day, or for a long-term stay that does not appear normal
