Anna Lo MLA said: “Human trafficking is often seen as a crime that happens in other countries or in movies, but this case is further proof that it is happening here in Northern Ireland today. Human trafficking is often described as the modern day slave trade and the evidence that these two women provided would support that description.
“The victims of these despicable crimes need all the support we can give them and I am glad the authorities are now taking the correct approach to them when previously they were treated as being part of the criminal gang.
“We need to do more to raise awareness through groups such as the Assembly All party Group on Human Trafficking, as it is often an unseen crime and can only be stopped by the police with the support of the public.
“I know that this is far from being the only case of human trafficking in Northern Ireland so I hope that the police will be able to make further arrests and gain convictions that will hopefully deter others. We are still waiting for the Public Prosecution Services to provide guidance papers that should hopefully ensure that it is easier to get convictions and long sentences in the future.”
ENDS