Twenty suspected slaves have been rescued by police during several raids across the West Midlands.
Five suspected slavery victims were found at Ming Moon Chinese restaurant in Wolverhampton and three were discovered at an address on Anthrobus Road in Handsworth yesterday.
Police also found 12 men at Wing Wah restaurant in Coventry. They said the men, who are mainly from Slovakia and Romania, were living in ‘poor conditions’.
Five suspected slavery victims were found at Ming Moon Chinese restaurant in Wolverhampton during a police raid. Pictured is a man being led away from Ming Moon by two officers
Police said the men, who are mainly from Slovakia and Romania, were living in ‘poor conditions’
Those found at the premises will now be supported by the police and partner agencies including the Salvation Army to get them into safe accommodation
A man, 49, and a woman, 45, from Slovakia have been arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
They are suspected of providing staff through a recruitment consultancy.
A spokesman for Ming Moon declined to comment on the raid, but said the restaurant would be open for business as usual.
Detective chief inspector Sally Simpson, who is the West Midlands Police modern slavery lead, said: ‘Unfortunately we hear all too often of cruel individuals making large sums of money on the back of the misery of others.
‘These “gang masters” promise a job, accommodation and money, but people end up working long hours, living in poor conditions and being paid next to nothing.
‘This is the 21st century and we are committed to tackling people trafficking and modern slavery. We are continually looking to raise awareness of what is still a hidden crime.
‘We need the public to help us stop such exploitation and report anything suspicious; which can help us take firm and decisive action such as this operation today.
‘There are some tell-tale signs to look out for such as large groups staying in multi-occupancy houses and being transported to and from addresses in vans or minibuses from early in the morning and not coming back until late at night.’
The Red Cross, HMRC, Hope for Justice, Gang Masters Licencing Abuse Authority and the National Crime Agency all worked with police on the swoop
A man, 49, and a woman, 45, from Slovakia have been arrested on suspicion of slavery offences (A victim is seen being led away by police)
A spokesman for Ming Moon declined to comment on the raid, but said the restaurant would be open for business as usual
Those found at the premises will now be supported by the police and partner agencies including the Salvation Army to get them into safe accommodation.
The Red Cross, HMRC, Hope for Justice, Gang Masters Licencing Abuse Authority and the National Crime Agency all worked with police on the swoop.
Between May 2016 and April 2017 West Midlands Police recorded 208 slavery offences, up from just over 100 in the previous year – with more than 40 people arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
Anybody who suspects slavery or trafficking offences are happening in their community is urged to call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700, visit the website www.modernslaveryhelpline.org or call West Midlands Police on 101.
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