Seven rescued and 24 arrested in crackdown on modern slavery and human trafficking

Crackdown on modern slavery and human trafficking

There have been 24 arrests and seven vulnerable people rescued in the last three days as Greater Manchester’s Programme Challenger united partners from across the region to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.

The activity has formed part of a week of action which continues until Friday 23 October.

Police, councils and agencies such as Immigration, Environmental Health, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, HMRC and DWP have worked together throughout the week to safeguard vulnerable people and detect and disrupt incidences of modern slavery and trafficking-related offences.

Up until 7pm Wednesday, multi-agency teams had so far visited 54 houses, 29 car washes, 15 brothels, three nail bars and two restaurants across Greater Manchester. There have also been 24 arrests for offences including trafficking, sexual exploitation and immigration, and six victims located and safeguarded by multi- agency staff at a reception centre in the region.

The victim reception centre was set up especially for the week of action and is supported by the British Red Cross. Work to rehabilitate and care for victims in the early, extremely vulnerable initial stages is underway, with victims suffering from the effects of intensive physical and psychological abuse.

GMP Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said: “So far, the week of action has been a great success in locating vulnerable people and taking them away from the horror they have suffered at the hands of their exploiters and abusers. It is also a stark and tragic reminder that slavery is very much a 21st century crime, happening now – here, in our towns and cities.

“Victims are often promised a good job, financial security or a better life. In reality, they are forced to work in cramped, dangerous conditions for hours on end, with limited contact with their family and under complete control of their abusers.

“This week is not simply a one-off response and is very much business as usual for the force and our partners. We will continue to work hard to find victims of modern slavery and target the individuals and businesses who take advantage of such labour. In order to do this most effectively, we need the public’s help.

“Would you know the signs of slavery and trafficking? Would you use the services of a business that exploited its workers? Would you report it? These are the questions we are asking of the local communities. If you suspect anything – tell us.”

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Slavery is just as real and just as brutal in the 21st century in the UK as it has ever been. That thousands of people are trapped in a life of slavery on our own doorsteps is intolerable and should shock us all into action.

“This week we’ve seen the results of tireless work by Greater Manchester’s Modern Slavery Unit to target slave drivers and liberate victims, but the fight against slavery is far from over. If we are to truly shine a light on this hidden crime we all have to play our part. So if you see anything suspicious or think something isn’t quite right, for example a neighbour being picked up by vehicles at odd times or living in overcrowded accommodation, then please speak out and help save victims and their families from a life of misery and servitude.”