This cooperation and the two arrests concern a different network, on which information came to light as result of a previous successful large-scale operation in Lithuania, Ireland and the UK, held in August 2020. During the initial operation and its immediate aftermath, 30 suspects were arrested for running a trafficking network and exploiting vulnerable, often addicted victims for the street sale of drugs. Eurojust assisted with the set-up and financing of a joint investigation team into the case.

Up to now, at least one hundred potential victims involved in the initial investigation pertaining to human trafficking and distributing heroin, were identified. Most of them are Lithuanians from a poor background, who, it is believed, were recruited and trafficked by the OCG to Ireland and Northern Ireland and forced to sell heroin, among other things.

The criminal network was known for its use of violence to pressure its victims. In total, 320 witnesses were interviewed for the initial investigation in 2020 into human trafficking and distributing heroin.

Further investigations led to information concerning two more leading suspects, who were arrested during a recent operation, coordinated by Eurojust. The alleged ringleader was arrested in Lithuania and the other suspect was apprehended in Northern Ireland, for whom an International Arrest Warrant had been issued. The authorities in the three countries will now decide on further judicial actions against these two suspects.

Last week, three searches took place in Northern Ireland linked to this OCG.

The operation was carried out and supported by:

• Lithuania: Department of Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation – Klaipėda District Prosecutor's Office; Organized Crime Investigation Board Klaipėda County Police
• Ireland: An Garda Síochána
• United Kingdom: Police Service of Northern Ireland; Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland