In a coordinated crackdown on human trafficking and exploitation, five individuals have been arrested in connection with offenses including modern slavery and conspiracy to control prostitution for financial gain. The arrests occurred after a series of raids targeted multiple establishments disguised as massage parlours suspected of offering illicit sexual services.
Among those arrested were a man and a woman in their 50s from Bristol, apprehended at a city address on the night of Wednesday, October 15. These actions followed intelligence-led operations conducted by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) targeting premises believed to be fronts for illegal activities.
Seven women were rescued and safeguarded during the raids, which spanned seven locations across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Reading. Notably, two search warrants executed in Chippenham, Wiltshire on Thursday morning, October 16, resulted in the arrest of a man in his 30s from Leicester. He is suspected alongside the Bristol detainees of human trafficking, prostitution control conspiracy, and money laundering.
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Further arrests included a woman in her 60s from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, and a man in his 60s from Bury St Edmunds, West Suffolk. Both face serious charges related to human trafficking and associated crimes.
The women rescued from these premises are now being supported by specially trained officers who are assessing their needs to ensure proper safeguarding.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith of SWROCU highlighted the importance of community involvement in this case, stating, “Public concerns initially raised with Wiltshire Police sparked this investigation. It has since expanded, resulting in significant arrests and, most importantly, the protection of vulnerable women. We urge the public to continue sharing information to help combat these crimes.”
Sergeant Jamie Ball, overseeing local operations in Chippenham, added, “What began as a small-scale inquiry into health and wellbeing businesses suspected of masking illegal sexual services has uncovered a larger exploitation network. We appreciate the community’s cooperation—thanks to their information, we have been able to safeguard several vulnerable individuals and make these critical arrests. We believe the public will welcome this decisive action.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information or concerns about modern slavery in their communities to report it to local police forces, Crimestoppers, or the Modern Slavery Helpline.