Two arrested during joint operation to identify victims of modern slavery as police urge public to report suspected exploitation

Two people have been arrested as part of a day of action to identify and safeguard victims of modern slavery in Bury St Edmunds.

Suffolk police partnered with Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers on Thursday, 20 January, in an operation targeting cash-intensive businesses that are suspected of involvement in illegal employment and modern slavery.

These are businesses that primarily handle high volumes of cash transactions which may be linked to wider organised crime groups. Businesses can include barber shops, nail bars, car washes, fast food establishments, sweet shops and convenience stores.

The activity last week identified three individuals as potential victims, who were living in dangerous and extremely unhealthy conditions in one premises.

A man and a woman, both aged in their 30s, were arrested at a business on Brentgovel Street on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced/compulsory labour. They were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and have since been released on bail with conditions until 9 March.

They were handed Civil Penalty Referral Notices and may face enforcement action for illegal working, with a penalty of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable. A referral has also been made to fire inspectors regarding the living conditions of the three individuals.

Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor John French said: “Often victims of modern slavery are too fearful to seek help. They may have been brought into the country illegally on the promise of a job and then forced to work in inhumane conditions, under the threat of deportation and violence. It is usually only through follow-up visits that we can encourage them to speak to us and disclose exploitation.

“Our priority is to identify victims and provide them with access to support services that they may need, whether that is safe accommodation, legal help or health services.

“This is where we need the support from our local communities. It is absolutely crucial that members of the public report anything suspicious to us so we can take appropriate action.

“We work closely with partners, and other police forces across the country, to identify exploitation and bring offenders to justice. Only by shutting down businesses that exploit workers can we effectively disrupt the cycle of trafficking and abuse.”

If you suspect exploitation, please report your concerns to the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700. It is free, confidential, open 24 hours and available in 200 languages. Alternatively report online via  File a report 

If someone is in immediate danger please call police on 999. 

Visit www.unseenuk.org for more information about the common signs of exploitation and how to report it.

For more information about the different forms of Modern Slavery and how to report it visit Modern slavery and human trafficking | Suffolk Constabulary