17 early morning arrests across east London and Essex for human trafficking

The raids were carried out early this morning

29 victims of human trafficking have been rescued during a police operation in east London and Essex.

A total of 17 people were arrested following a series of raids this morning across Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Brentwood, Redbridge, Newham, and Tower Hamlets.

The suspects included 14 men and three women, between 17 and 50-years-old.

They were detained in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of modern slavery, controlling prostitution, Class A drug offences and firearm offences, relating to a stun gun.

All 17 individuals were taken in custody after 16 warrants were executed as part of an international operation called ‘Operation Kelang.’

There were 29 potential victims of human trafficking, all women aged from 20-40 years, recovered from the addresses. They have been taken a place of safety.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime, Vulnerability Investigations Team with the support of Romanian police officers.

The warrants were also executed in conjunction with local officers and the Territorial Support Group (TSG).

An additional four warrants were simultaneously implemented in Romania resulting in the arrest of one man in Constanta.

The work has also been supported by the Joint Investigation Team made up of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime – Vulnerability Investigations Team, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Romanian Police and Prosecutors, the Romanian Embassy, Europol, and Eurojust.

The Romanian Police attaché in the UK, said: “Today’s operation is another example of our excellent bilateral cooperation. The operation was organised simultaneously in both countries in perfect coordination.

“Romanian police officers working shoulder to shoulder with our British partners is a great achievement, a proof of our mutual permanent support and a great professional reward.

“The Romanian Police is committed to continue its efforts in combating all forms of criminality together with the Metropolitan Police.”

Detective Chief Inspector Richard McDonagh from the Met’s Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit said: “The Met recognises the seriousness of modern slavery and the devastation it brings to people’s lives.

“We have an investigative capability across Frontline Policing and have invested in specialist resources through our Central Specialist Crime – Vulnerability Investigations Team which tackles complex cases.

“This allows us to target offenders and support victims.

“Today’s synchronised operational activity spanned 16 addresses in east London and four addresses in Romania with the aim of, in one fell swoop, dismantling an organised crime network and providing support to the victims.”