Two men arrested as part of modern slavery investigation in Bury St Edmunds
Police say two women have been safeguarded as part of an investigation into human trafficking
Two men in their 60s have been arrested in Bury St Edmunds as part of an investigation into modern slavery, with police targeting suspected human trafficking and forced labour at massage parlours.
Officers from Suffolk Constabulary and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) carried out the operation on Thursday 16th October, during Modern Slavery Awareness Week.
The activity resulted in two women being safeguarded while the two men were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
Both men have now been released on bail while further enquiries take place.
John French, Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor, said:
“Our priority is always to identify victims of modern slavery and ensure their welfare. We know that often victims are tricked or coerced into situations where they believe they are accepting legitimate work.
“In Suffolk we are committed to working closely with partners, and other police forces across the country, to identify exploitation and bring offenders to justice, whilst ensuring those affected are safeguarded and receive specialist support.
“Operations like this are often intelligence-led, which is why it is so important that members of the public report anything suspicious. I would like to remind our communities that these crimes can happen anywhere, they do happen in Suffolk and we all have a role to play in spotting the signs and speaking up.”