Six people from West Midlands held over human trafficking offences
Nine people in total were arrested after warrants were executed in Spain, Kent, and across the West Midlands.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Six people are being questioned by police after being arrested in the West Midlands on suspicion of human trafficking offences.
Nine people in total were detained after warrants were executed in Spain, Kent and across the West Midlands .
The warrants were executed after a lengthy investigation into an escort agency that offered paid sexual services in the United Kingdom and Spain.
Spanish National Police arrested a man and a woman, both aged 43, in Madrid, thought to have control over the business.
In Kent, a 68-year-old man was arrested and a 50-year-old man in Tamworth. Three men, aged 28, 29, and 55, were arrested in Sandwell and two men, aged 41 and 46, were arrested in Birmingham.
All were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to control prostitution, conspiracy to traffic within the UK for sexual exploitation and money laundering offences.
All nine remain in custody for questioning and extradition proceedings for the man and woman arrested in Spain have begun.
Detective Constable Steve Oldbury said: “The warrants executed today are the result of a long running investigation into the activities of this organised crime group.
“We believe the group has netted thousands of pounds a week with funds regularly and illegally transferred out of the country.
“At the heart of this criminality is the women who are alleged to have been coerced and intimidated into performing sexual services. Their welfare is of the utmost concern.
“We work with partner agencies who are able to safeguard these women and provide ongoing support.”
Neil Keeping, National Crime Agency Regional Manager for Spain, said: “We know that organised crime groups target victims, both in the UK and overseas, for sexual exploitation purposes.
“Victims are often seeking a better life, but are instead forced into the sex industry where they are controlled and exploited by offenders who treat them as commodities in the pursuit of profit.
“Sexual exploitation is one of the most commonly reported forms of UK-based exploitation and is extremely harmful for adult victims.
“We are grateful to our partners in Spain who have assisted West Midlands Police with this investigation, and will continue to work with them as extradition proceedings begin.”