Two arrested after operation in Bury St Edmunds targeting modern slavery
Suspected victims were identified living in unhealthy conditions.
Two people have been arrested in Bury St Edmunds as part of a police operation focused on identifying and helping victims of modern slavery.
The arrests followed a day of joint action on 20th January involving Suffolk police and Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams. The operation targeted cash-driven businesses suspected of illegal employment and exploitation, which often have links to organised crime.
These types of businesses include barber shops, nail bars, car washes, fast food outlets, sweet shops, and convenience stores.
Three individuals identified as potential victims were found living in dangerously unhealthy conditions at one location during the activity last week.
At a business on Brentgovel Street, officers arrested a man and a woman, both in their 30s, on suspicion of slavery, servitude, and forced labour. They were questioned at Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre before being released on bail with conditions. Their bail runs until 9th March.
Both suspects also received Civil Penalty Referral Notices for illegal working. If found liable, they could face penalties of up to £60,000 per worker.
A referral has been made to fire inspectors concerning the unsafe living conditions of the identified victims.
John French, the Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor for Suffolk Constabulary, explained the challenges in tackling such crimes:
“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.”
Anyone with concerns about exploitation or modern slavery is urged to contact police.