Police in Romania have arrested three men as part of a major investigation into a suspected Cambridge-based modern slavery and human trafficking network.
Officers in the Dâmbovița region executed nine search warrants on Wednesday (12 November) across the towns of Târgoviște and Pucioasa, detaining men in their 30s and 40s on suspicion of trafficking victims for sexual exploitation.
Search teams also seized cash in multiple currencies, electronic devices, weapons and documents believed to support the ongoing probe.
21 women trafficked into UK, say investigators
The investigation is being jointly led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, and centres on the trafficking of 21 women into the UK.
The latest action follows a string of arrests in July, when ERSOU officers detained three men, also in their 30s and 40s, on suspicion of trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering.
A woman in her 20s was arrested at Luton Airport on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
All four remain on bail.
‘Our priority is protecting vulnerable victims’
Detective Inspector Dean Trollope, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit, said the operation underlined the strength of European law-enforcement partnerships.
“Our priority is always to protect vulnerable victims from exploitation, and this operation demonstrates the strength of working closely with law enforcement colleagues across Europe to dismantle organised crime groups operating across borders.
“These arrests are the latest enforcement activity as part of our ongoing investigation, and enquiries are ongoing.”
How to spot the signs
More information on the signs of modern slavery can be found on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.
Anyone, including victims, who would prefer not to contact police can speak to the Modern Slavery Helpline. The helpline is run by the charity Unseen and can be contacted online or by calling 08000 121 700.
Further information can also be found on the Victim and Witness Hub.
