Two bailed following modern slavery arrest

Two people have been bailed following an operation at an address as part of an investigation into modern slavery.

The Gangmasters and Labour and Abuse Authority (GLAA) carried out the arrests at an address in Canning Town, East London on Thursday (4 December 2025), following reports that two people were being exploited at an address in Cornwall.

Supported by the London Metropolitan Police’s modern slavery department, a 46-year-old man and a 45-year old woman were arrested, and have since been bailed pending further investigation.

The two victims have been safely rescued and have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism, the UK’s official system for identifying individuals who may be victims of modern slavery and connecting them with appropriate support services. There may be more potential victims.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Neville Bradbury said: “When we receive a report that someone is being exploited, we will never hesitate to act and ensure that not only those who are vulnerable are brought to safety, but we will also make sure we act quickly to root out those who are involved in this type of criminality.

“A lot of planning went into this warrant, and I want to thank our colleagues at The Metropolitan Police for supporting us.”

Anyone who suspects that workers are being exploited for their labour should contact the GLAA, or if you feel there is an immediate danger, contact 999.

You can contact the GLAA on 0800 432 0804. Please provide us with as much information as possible to enable us to investigate your concerns. You can also email us on contact@gla.gov.uk or use our online reporting from which is available through our website at www.gla.gov.uk.