Police have arrested 13 Polish people in Birmingham in the latest set of raids to tackle modern slavery.
Officers moved in on properties in the Handsworth area of the city early this morning, arresting suspects aged between 18 and 60. They also stopped a minibus carrying suspected slavery victims
Three men and two women who it is thought were being exploited have been taken to a reception centre where they will tell police what happened to them.
West Midlands Police say intelligence they received suggested people were being brought into the UK then offered out to work by ‘gangmasters’, who took a cut of their low wages.
One of the properties raided was in this terraced street in the Harmsworth area of Birmingham
A force spokesman said: ‘A total of three men and two women from Poland have been safeguarded this morning and taken to a reception centre where they will be given an opportunity to speak to specially trained officers about their circumstances.
‘Nine men and four women – aged 18 to 60 and all Polish nationals – have been arrested on suspicion of slavery offences and taken into custody for questioning.’
Sgt Phil Poole, from the force’s modern slavery investigation team, said: ‘These raids were carried out as a result of intelligence and illustrates our intent to stop cruel individuals making cash off the misery of others.
‘There is no place for the exploitation of people and we will not hesitate in taking firm and decisive action to stop this.’
The raids follows four arrests on suspicion of modern slavery offences in Oldham last month
GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Andy Davies said: ‘This was a well-planned and hugely successful operation and we were proud to assist West Midlands Police with the preparatory work, the arrests and in supporting the alleged victims.
‘Early indications suggest that a legitimate employment agency may have been infiltrated by an organised criminal gang.
‘I would urge all labour providers – with or without GLAA Licences – to remain vigilant about their supply chains and recruitment practices so they too do not get caught out.’
Daniel Collins, senior emergency response officer for the British Red Cross in the West Midlands, added: ‘Our highly trained staff are providing refreshments, first aid and emotional support to people brought to the rest centre by West Midlands Police.
‘Red Cross staff will be available to run the rest centre for as long as they are needed.’
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