19 women rescued in 'brothel' raids
19 women rescued in 'brothel' raids
Also In The News
|
Britain's first industry-wide industrial action since the general strike of 1926 could take place this summer after negotiations between Network Rail and railway staff collapsed earlier today. |  |
Wednesday, 10, May 2006 12:00
Police have rescued 19 women after coordinated raids on premises suspected of being involved in sex trafficking.
Eleven people were arrested on suspicion of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, as officers in London and Birmingham swooped early this morning.
Five properties in London, one in Berkhampstead in Hertforshire and one in Birmingham were targeted "following a joint five-month intelligence-led operation", Scotland Yard said.
Seven men were arrested in Paddington, central London; one man was arrested at an address in the West End; a man and a woman were arrested at an address in Golders Green, north London; and another arrest was made at an address in Birmingham.
All 11 remain in custody in police stations in London and the West Midlands.
Officers from the West Midlands police rescued six women believed to have been forced into working in the sex industry, while Metropolitan police officers liberated 13 women from an address in Paddington, which was being used as a brothel.
The women, who are believed to be from Malaysia, are now being talked to by health professionals and specially trained officers.
"This has been a very successful operation with the largest number of potential victims rescued," Chief Superintendent Ian Dyson, of the Met's Clubs and Vice Unit, said.
"I hope this morning's operation will send out a clear message to the organisers of this vile trade that we will find them and we will seize their assets. I would also like to say to the men that use prostitutes 'you are fuelling this trade'. Do the right thing and contact us if you have any information about women being trafficked."
This morning's raids were part of Operation Pentameter, a nationwide campaign to crack down on illegal sex trafficking which was launched in February and has already led to the freeing of 46 women.