Aer Lingus staff arrested over 'immigrant smuggling' Published duration 23 January 2017

image copyright Dublin Airport image caption The arrests are connected to an "international illegal immigrant smuggling network" through Dublin Airport, reports said

Three men, including two Aer Lingus staff, have been arrested as part of an investigation into assisting illegal immigration through Dublin Airport.

The men, aged 28, 56 and 61, were detained at the airport on Sunday night by officers from the Garda (Irish police) Immigration Bureau.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said the arrests were connected to an "international illegal immigrant smuggling network".

It reported that the alleged scam has been traced to a travel agency in Rome.

RTÉ said detectives believed illegal immigrants have been taken off flights in Dublin and escorted to waiting vehicles, without going through immigration controls.

Aer Lingus has confirmed that two of its employees are being questioned.

In a statement, a company spokesman said: "Aer Lingus is co-operating fully with an Garda Siochana in their investigation.

"As this is an on-going criminal investigation we have no further comment to make."