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Officer in court over trafficking Officer in court over trafficking
(about 1 hour later)
A former police officer is due in court later charged with people trafficking and controlling prostitution.A former police officer is due in court later charged with people trafficking and controlling prostitution.
The 39-year-old was arrested on Thursday as part of a police operation targeting a prostitution ring controlled by a Chinese crime gang.The 39-year-old was arrested on Thursday as part of a police operation targeting a prostitution ring controlled by a Chinese crime gang.
Six women were rescued from brothels in Belfast and Londonderry.Six women were rescued from brothels in Belfast and Londonderry.
A woman, 40, is also due before Laganside Magistrates Court to face the same charges. Another man, 41, was released pending further inquiries. A woman, 40, is also due before Laganside Magistrates' Court to face the same charges. Another man, 41, was released pending further inquiries.
It is believed the former officer, who was arrested in Belfast, left the PSNI a number of years ago.It is believed the former officer, who was arrested in Belfast, left the PSNI a number of years ago.
Police said the women who were rescued were tricked into coming to Northern Ireland and then forced to work as prostitutes.Police said the women who were rescued were tricked into coming to Northern Ireland and then forced to work as prostitutes.
They are being cared for by specialist officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency, which hopes they will agree to give evidence against alleged gang members.They are being cared for by specialist officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency, which hopes they will agree to give evidence against alleged gang members.
The Chinese Welfare Association has praised the police operation and urged anyone with information about human trafficking to come forward.The Chinese Welfare Association has praised the police operation and urged anyone with information about human trafficking to come forward.