Police raid Levenshulme car wash in modern slavery crackdown
Three men have been arrested and 10 potential victims were rescued
Police investigating modern day slavery in Greater Manchester have raided a car wash in Levenshulme.
On Wednesday 7 November 2018, a special GMP taskforce dedicated to combatting modern day slavery arrested three men aged 20, 31 & 37, at addresses across South Manchester and rescued ten potential victims of slavery.
Officers executed warrants at the Drive and Shine Carwash on Stockport Road in Levenshulme, and neighbouring properties as part of an on-going investigation into modern slavery , being run in collaboration with officers from the Czech Republic.
The potential victims - men in their 20s & 30s - are now being supported by specially trained officers and are helping police with their enquiries.
Detective Inspector John Robb said: “Following a difficult and thorough investigation we have today been in a position to execute warrants and arrest three men on suspicion of modern slavery offences.
“Today marks a significant step for us in our attempts to free those who find themselves victims of modern day slavery, and bring those who profit from the lives of other people to justice.
“We have been working with colleagues in the Czech Republic on this investigation and continue to pursue a number of lines of enquiry to ensure that we find every victim and stop every perpetrator.”
Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious should call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700
Modern slavery involves the movement or recruitment of individuals using threats, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation.
It is not an issue confined to history or an issue that only exists in certain countries. It is a global problem and it is happening right now.
There is no typical victim of slavery – they can be men, women and children of all ages but it is normally more prevalent amongst the most vulnerable, minority or socially excluded groups.
Victims found in the UK come from many different countries, including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Vietnam and the UK itself.
Modern Slavery is organised crime with severe consequences. All too often members of the public turn a blind eye, either through fear or ignorance.