Cambridgeshire 'trafficking' arrests

Two brothers have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and unlicensed gangmaster activity in Cambridgeshire.

Officers from the GLA assisted police from Cambridgeshire Constabulary as they attended two addresses in the Wisbech area early yesterday morning (THURS).

One man was arrested at each address. The suspects are Lithuanian nationals aged 35 and 31.

They were both taken to King’s Lynn custody suite for questioning in connection with an investigation into exploiting workers involved in harvesting agricultural crops as well as flower and food processing in the Fenland area.

Both men have been released on bail to report back to the police next month.

ENDS

No further information is available at this time.

Notes to editors

1. The GLA operates throughout the UK and is a Non Departmental Public Body.

2. The authority was formed in 2005 in the wake of the Morecambe Bay cockle picking disaster when 23 Chinese workers drowned on the sands.

3. The GLA licences companies that supply labour (gangmasters) to agriculture, horticulture, food processing and packaging and shellfish gathering.

4. Its main strategic priorities are to prevent worker exploitation, protect vulnerable people and tackle unlicensed and criminal activity.

5. Under the Gangmasters Licensing Act (2004) it is illegal both to operate as, or employ the services of, an unlicensed gangmaster.

www.gla.gov.uk