Multi-agency North East operation bags more than 40 arrests

More than 40 people have been arrested as part of Operation Kestrel in its first week.

The operation - targeting foreign national offenders and safeguarding vulnerable foreign nationals targeted by criminals - launched last Monday and sees the region's three forces Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland work together with Immigration Enforcement and Border Force, voluntary organisations and local authorities.

In the first week across Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland 46 people were arrested for slavery and immigration offences and nine vulnerable victims safeguarded.

64 premises were visited, 14 warrants carried out and 623 vehicles searched - 13 of the vehicles were uplifted.

Northumbria Police's Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan said: "It has been very encouraging to see the fantastic partnership work that has taken place so far as part of Operation Kestrel and I'm pleased with how it is progressing.

"There will be more activity across the region this week as we continue to work together to safeguard vulnerable victims and arrest those responsible."

Activity includes:-

• 14 people arrested for slavery offences after nine warrants were carried out and a further five addresses searched in Newcastle.

• Five victims safeguarded as a result of the arrests and taken to a victim reception centre where they will receive help and support.

• Multi-agency operation in North Shields involving Border Force, Police, NCA, NERSOU checking passengers and freight disembarking a ferry.

• Immigration Enforcement have carried out illegal working to businesses across the North East including car washes, nail bars, takeaways and restaurants. An illegal working operation on Friday, 21 July, led to six people with no leave being detained and a business being served with a potential financial penalty of up to £80,000 for employing four illegal workers.

• Joint police and immigration visits to safeguard sex workers.

• Assistance given to families, at risk of being exploited by organised crime groups, to return to their home countries.

• Two men arrested for immigration offences after they were found stowed on a lorry. The men will now be dealt with by Immigration Enforcement. A juvenile who was with them has been placed into care.

• A man was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant. He was wanted in Romania for fraud offences and has now been returned to the country to serve his sentence