Two arrested in anti-slavery operation

GLAA officers yesterday morning arrested a Romanian couple in Cambridgeshire on suspicion of modern slavery and gangmaster offences.

The couple – a 30-year-old male and his 32-year-old female partner - were apprehended at a detached property in Ely this morning. (Monday)

Six workers who had been brought to the UK by the suspects and put to work in a salad processing factory were recovered from the same address.

They were all removed to a temporary reception centre where they continue to be supported and assessed as potential victims of human trafficking.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Tony Byrne said: “This once again demonstrates the GLAA’s commitment to using our enhanced remit to investigate reported instances of modern slavery while remaining true to our founding principle of protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation.”

Investigators from the Government authority – which protects vulnerable workers from exploitation - are being assisted on the operation by Cambridgeshire Police and the National Crime Agency.

The British Red Cross also helped by providing welfare support to the alleged victims.

Enquiries are continuing.