Gardaí in the midlands have opened an investigation into human trafficking linked to organised prostitution in the Republic.

Detectives are also investigating money laundering and have arrested two suspects for questioning.

The two women detained were being questioned about suspected human trafficking, organised prostitution and related money laundering.

Both suspects, aged 42 and 29, were arrested on Sunday in Mullingar during an operation that saw a number of properties in the town searched.

The two women are being detained under legislation used in cases of serious organised crime. They can be held for questioning for up to seven days without charge.

“In a Garda operation this morning, Sunday April 14th, two premises were searched in the Mullingar area,” a Garda statement said.

“Two females were arrested in connection with this investigation and are currently detained at Mullingar Garda Station under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.”