Three arrested during modern slavery police operation in Suffolk
Police and immigration officers targeted car washes, nail bars, barbers, restaurants and convenience stores
Last updated 16th Apr 2025
Three people have been arrested as part of a police and immigration operation in Sudbury.
Police and immigration enforcement officers from the Home Office attended 10 businesses, targeting car washes, nail bars, barbers, restaurants and convenience stores on Monday (14 April).
It resulted in three people being arrested on suspicion of Immigration Act offences.
numerous employees were spoken to over the course of the visits, with officers focusing on safeguarding them from possible exploitation.
Speaking about the operation, Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor John French said: “We are committed to tackling exploitation and modern slavery in Suffolk, and our priority is to protect those who are most vulnerable and at risk.
“These days of action allow us to focus on specific areas and are vital to disrupt criminal networks. Hand car washes and nail bars are unfortunately areas where exploitation sometimes takes place, and illegal immigration and illegal working is often linked to wider organised crime groups, which impacts our local communities.
“Information from the public is key in enabling us to identify criminal activity and we urge members of the public to report any concerns of exploitation. Any intelligence shared is vital to our investigations to help us safeguard victims and pursue offenders. It is crucial that we remain on the front foot, being proactive and intervening as early as possible.”