Man arrested and three potential victims safeguarded in Cambridgeshire
11th July 2019
A man has been arrested and three potential modern slavery victims have been rescued by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in Cambridgeshire.
GLAA officers and Cambridgeshire Police carried out the operation at an address in Peterborough in the early hours of Thursday 11 July.
The suspect, a 50-year-old Romanian man, was interviewed by the GLAA before being released under investigation.
Three Romanian men, aged 45, 47 and 47, have been safeguarded and are now receiving support.
The alleged exploitation is said to have taken place in the food processing sector.
GLAA Investigating Officer Hayley Palmer said: “The operation was conducted after excellent work by our intelligence team who acted swiftly to enable us to go to the address, make the arrest and safeguard the potential victims.
“There is no place in society for people who exploit others for their labour and we will not hesitate to work with partners to bring these offenders to justice and protect vulnerable workers.”
DCI Alan Page, Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s tactical lead for modern slavery and human trafficking, said: “Tackling modern slavery is a force priority and while we’re working hard to address it, we can’t do it alone.
“Increasing information in modern day slavery and human trafficking is key to protecting the vulnerable.
“We work closely with partners, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the GLAA.
“Slavery still exists in Cambridgeshire and it’s important that people are aware of the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, and report any concerns to us.”
If you suspect someone is being exploited or is a victim of modern slavery, contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk
Concerns can also be reported in Cambridgeshire by calling 101 or reporting online here.
More information on modern slavery and advice on how to spot the signs can be found on both the GLAA and force website.