Wiltshire Police lead mass raid as four arrested on suspicion of human trafficking
Officers from forces across England involved
Last updated 15th Jun 2022
A major international operation led by Wiltshire Police has seen members of a suspected human trafficking gang linked to Romania arrested.
Officers at several forces including Hampshire Police were involved in early morning raids at several addresses yesterday(14th June).
Warrants were carried out in Southampton, Leeds, Birmingham, Reading and Oldham with officers supported by staff from the National Crime Agency, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and local authorities for each area.
Three men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and money laundering.
In total, seven addresses were searched.
Birmingham - one suspect arrested
Reading - two suspects arrested
Southampton - one suspect arrested
More than £5,000 worth of cash was also seized along with several mobile phones. Two illegal brothels were discovered, one in Southampton and the other in Reading.
A total of five victims from Reading, Southampton and Oldham were rescued and are now receiving help and support from our partners and specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Angela Shipp from Wiltshire Police said:
"This was a major international operation led by us to arrest some of the suspects who we believe are members of a Europe wide organised crime group which traffic victims from Romania into the UK.
"These illegal organised gangs operate all over the world - they know no boundaries - and cause misery to countless victims who are often enslaved, have to live in often horrendous conditions with no quality of life, and are forced into sexual exploitation to survive. "
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson said:
“Ensuring our county is hostile to anyone involved in modern slavery or human trafficking is a priority for Wiltshire Police and is one of the reasons why I am so pleased no stone has been left unturned in order to bring those vile individuals involved in this appalling trade to justice.
“Protecting the weak and vulnerable victims is of paramount importance to me and working with other agencies with the same combined goal has ensured Wiltshire Police has been able to play a part in that protection.
“Slavery didn’t die out with its abolishment in earlier centuries, it has just found different ways to exist and exploit vulnerable victims. A person’s freedom and right-to-life are the most basic human rights and ones which must be robustly defended and this proactive policing operation has shown gangmasters and their enforcers there is nowhere to hide – Wiltshire is not a place for you or your criminal activities.”
If you suspect modern slavery or human trafficking taking place in your street, town or area, please report any suspicious incidents via 101. Dial 999 if it's an emergency. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.