Three modern slavery arrests in Buckinghamshire

Three people have been arrested following modern slavery warrants carried out in South Buckinghamshire.

Thames Valley Police supported by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and National Crime Agency made the arrests of two men aged 42 and 49 and a 28-year-old woman at a residential property on Love Lane, Iver on Tuesday 11 September.

Eight people, believed to be victims of modern slavery, were also safeguarded.

Approximately 100 officers were involved in the operation which took place following allegations made about forced labour being carried out at building sites.

Detective Inspector James Mather, leading the operation, said: “This operation has safeguarded vulnerable people in society and a number of arrests have been made. Modern slavery is the exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Officers continue to work closely with our partner agencies to ensure those who carry out this activity are disrupted and any victims are supported.

“We are in the early stages of the investigation and considerable work to identify any further victims will follow. It has been a really positive example of partnership working, and I’d like to thank all the officers and agencies involved.”

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Tony Byrne said: “Working with partners to protect vulnerable workers is a fundamental part of our work. It’s great to see agencies come together like this on major operations and deliver really positive results.”