Five men and one woman have been arrested for slavery and trafficking offences following police raids in Harlow and London.

Warrants were executed this morning (Tuesday, February 9) in Harlow, Harrow, Romford, Hayes, and Forest Gate.

Those arrested are aged between 30 and 55 years-old. The Met Police say they have been arrested for a variety of offences, including suspicion of holding a person in slavery, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.

The arrests form part, of an ongoing investigation to target an eastern European organised crime group, who police say are believed to be trafficking and exploiting people brought to the UK from Poland.

One address visited in Hayes was identified as a brothel.

Detective Superintendent, Andy Furphy from Central Specialist Crime, said: “This investigation will continue as we look to find everyone involved and uncover the true scale of this illegal operation.

“Unfortunately, this type of exploitation is still happening across London and the UK. The Met’s modern slavery team works around the clock to identify people involved in human trafficking and forced labour, and we play a role in protecting and supporting hundreds of victims each year.

"We need help from the public as they have an important role to play in recognising and reporting modern slavery. If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, report it. You will always be taken seriously and protection and support is available.

"Often those affected do not see themselves as potential victims of sexual exploitation and many will have been coerced into this life to make money for an organised crime network.

"We believe there are victims of modern slavery in every borough across London and the public may encounter them every day, possibly without realising. As well as being sexually exploited, victims have been found working in construction, domestic servitude, agriculture, cannabis factories and in places you use yourself, such as car washes, barbers and nail bars.

"Victims are often told the police and authorities in the UK are not to be trusted and with limited English are unable to seek help, even if they want to."

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