Menu

Eight arrested following major human trafficking operation

Posted on - 19th April, 2017 - 12:10pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Lancashire Police, Preston City Centre, Preston News
One of the raids carried out today. Credit: Lancashire Police

Eight people have been arrested today (April 19) as part of an investigation into a major human trafficking operation.

Advertisement

The seven men and one woman were arrested following a series of early morning raids at addresses in Preston, Blackburn and Blackpool in Lancashire, Gateshead in Northumbria and Evesham, near Worcester.

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

They have all been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to traffic for sexual exploitation and conspiring to incite prostitution.

They are all currently in custody.

Eight women were found inside the addresses and were suspected of being trafficked to the UK from Romania for the purposes of prostitution.

Advertisements

The arrests follow a long running investigation led by Lancashire Constabulary’s human trafficking and modern slavery team.

The team is know as Op Proteus and they are dedicated to identifying those involved in human trafficking and slavery, as well as helping the victims.

Detective Inspector Mark Vaughton, of Op Proteus, said: “Today’s arrests are the latest stage of a long-running proactive investigation by Lancashire Constabulary into the activities of a Romanian organised crime group which we believe has been trafficking women into the country for the purposes of prostitution.

“I’d like to thank our colleagues in the other force areas and at the National Crime Agency for the assistance in co-ordinating and carrying out today’s activity.

“While this is just the latest phase of this operation today’s activities has seen both a number of people arrested and a number of women rescued from exploitation.

Advertisements
barton manor gym

“Modern slavery is not something confined to history, it is still happening today, and it’s happening in Lancashire.

More: Men in ski masks attempt to rob petrol station in Penwortham

“We would urge you to look closer, modern slavery could be happening right in front of you – whether that’s in nail bars, car washes, rural businesses, brothels, massage parlours, or a property in your neighbourhood.

“In Lancashire we are committed to rooting out those individuals who choose to exploit others and we have dedicated officers working hard to remove this type of threat from our communities.

“This area of policing is complex and identifying modern slavery can be difficult, but we have had a number of successful prosecutions recently and there have been a number of victims who have been rescued from exploitation and are now rebuilding better lives with the right help and support.

“Remember if something doesn’t seem right or you have a suspicion about trafficking or slavery; report your concerns to us.”

Commissioner Grunshaw says he's delivering on his election pledge to listen to the electorate
Commissioner Grunshaw spoke following the arrests

Speaking at one of the targeted addresses Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:  “Today’s operation has been a great success and shows why it’s so important to remain focused on human trafficking. These were highly organised gangs making thousands of pounds, exploiting the most vulnerable women and girls.

“The success of today’s raid is testament to the hard work and professionalism of Lancashire officers and I’m proud that the resources I have put into this fight places us at the forefront of anti-trafficking work in the country.

More: Long delays after serious collision in Preston

“Those arrested today are part of the criminal infrastructure that exists to get these young girls into the country. Operations like today limit their ability to operate and will keep more victims out of the clutches of these gangs.”

Advertisements
caritas fostering advert

To pass on information anonymously you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or complete an anonymous form online www.crimestoppers-uk.org . When you contact them your identity will be protected.

If you think that someone is in immediate danger call 999, if you suspect slavery is happening and there is no immediate threat to life then contact us on 101.

Lancashire Victims Services are also here to offer help and support, even if you haven’t reported a crime to the police. Contact them on 0300 323 0085.

There is also a national Modern Slavery Helpline offering confidential help and advice, you can also report information to them on 08000 121 700.

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures Preston Bus 207 PO56 JDX (Scania N94UB / East Lancs Esteem)24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails