Day of action tackling exploitation leads to three arrests

Three people have been arrested following a day of action in Sudbury aimed at tackling exploitation, immigration offences and other associated criminality.

The intelligence-led activity took place yesterday (Monday, April 14), when police and immigration enforcement officers from the Home Office attended 10 businesses, targeting car washes, nail bars, barbers, restaurants and convenience stores.

It resulted in three people being arrested on suspicion of Immigration Act offences They will be dealt with by Immigration Services.

As well as the arrests, numerous employees were spoken to over the course of the visits, with officers focusing on safeguarding them from possible exploitation.

Speaking about the operation, Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability advisor John French said: “We are committed to tackling exploitation and modern slavery in Suffolk and our priority is to protect those who are most vulnerable and at risk.

“These days of action allow us to focus on specific areas and are vital to disrupt criminal networks.

“Hand car washes and nail bars are unfortunately areas where exploitation sometimes takes place and illegal immigration and illegal working is often linked to wider organised crime groups, which impacts our local communities.

“Information from the public is key in enabling us to identify criminal activity and we urge members of the public to report any concerns of exploitation.

“Any intelligence shared is vital to our investigations to help us safeguard victims and pursue offenders. It is crucial that we remain on the front foot, being proactive and intervening as early as possible.”

If you suspect someone is employing illegal workers at their business, report this to the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700.

It is free, confidential, open 24 hours and available in 200 languages. Alternatively report online via https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report.

If someone is in immediate danger please call police on 999.

Visit www.unseenuk.org for more information about the common signs of exploitation and how to report it.