Modern slavery arrest in Birmingham

A 27-year-old Romanian man has been arrested on suspicion of a modern slavery offence in Birmingham.

Investigators from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) were joined by West Midlands Police officers for the operation in Erdington on the morning of Tuesday 25 September.

The suspect has now been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

An 18-year-old Romanian man has been safeguarded and has entered the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), a framework for ensuring potential modern slavery victims receive the help and support that they need.

The GLAA acted after concerns were raised that the potential victim had been controlled and exploited by the suspect over the last three months.

GLAA officers also used their Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) powers to search and seize evidence.

Anyone who has suspicions that some is being exploited should contact the GLAA's dedicated intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or by emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk.