A Chinese teenager has gone missing from his foster home after previously disappearing from the care of the HSE, only to be discovered at a Dublin apartment that gardaí raided last weekend while investigating a child trafficking ring.

The teenager had told the authorities he was 16 and had been living in asylum accommodation until he disappeared in May. He was discovered, along with another Chinese teenager, at an apartment at Blackhall Street, Smithfield, Dublin, last Saturday. Gardaí also found an illegal pornographic DVD-making factory.

One Chinese man was arrested at the apartment on suspicion of human trafficking. Two other Chinese men were also present and have been interviewed in a bid to determine if they are victims of trafficking or if they were involved in trafficking the two Chinese teenagers for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation. The wife and two-week-old baby of the man in garda custody were also at the apartment.

The two Chinese teenagers, who do not speak English, were taken back into the care of the HSE last Saturday. Both told gardaí they were 16. However, documentation found at the apartment showed the teenager who has now disappeared is 18.

The teenager was housed with foster parents since last Saturday, but disappeared early last week after jumping out a window.

At the apartment at Blackhall Street, gardaí found a diary and some identification. These items were translated and one of the documents revealed the missing teenager is aged 18.

Detectives are preparing a file for the DPP in relation to the Chinese man arrested, recommending he be charg­ed with human trafficking. He is no longer in garda custody. Gardaí have established that he has sent over €80,000 back to China in the past year.

While the missing Chinese teenager is not a minor, gardaí are still concerned he is a victim of trafficking and has been exploited.