Raid in Kingston targets modern slavery ring

Raids including an operation in Kingston took place this morning (March 16) aimed at breaking up a reported modern slavery ring.

Police said the raids were part of ‘Operation Snoop’ that with the Met Police’s Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Unit [MSCE] targets the trafficking of Chinese women in to the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Six men and two women were arrested in the raids that targeted locations in Kingston as well as in Hackney, Hounslow, Bexleyheath, Watford after a “years-long” investigation into slavery in the region.

The Met said the suspected were arrested on suspicion of crimes including “controlling prostitution for gain contrary to Section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003” and “arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation contrary to Sections 2(1) and 5(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015”

It is believed that some of the addresses raided by police were operating as brothels.

The officers involved included interpreters and Mandarin-speaking police.

The Met added that vulnerable people at the addresses were now receiving support from specialist officers.

“This morning’s operation, despite being the culmination of a lengthy investigation, is only the first step in bringing the people arrested to face the consequences for their actions,” Acting Detective Inspector Nick Bland of the Central Specialist Crime Unit said.

“Young women who are trafficked in to this country for sexual exploitation are often sold a dream in terms of what their life in the UK may look like, that dream is quickly unraveled upon their arrival to the country, where they will often be forced to live in abject poverty and be at the beck and call of their traffickers.

“In some cases it is impossible for these women to escape to their home countries as their travel documents are confiscated.

“We know that crimes such as these are amongst some the most damaging to victims. They will no doubt have suffered untold pain and distress during their time in this country under the influence of these individuals,” he added.

Source: (Surrey Comet)