Two arrested in Bury St Edmunds during Modern Slavery Awareness Week

Two men have been arrested as part of an investigation into modern slavery.

The activity took place during Modern Slavery Awareness Week, demonstrating Suffolk Constabulary’s commitment to tackling exploitation and support victims.

On Thursday 16 October Suffolk police supported officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) in an operation in Bury St Edmunds, targeting suspected human trafficking and forced labour linked to massage parlours.

The activity saw two women safeguarded, and two men aged in their 60s arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. The men were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning, and have subsequently been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Suffolk Constabulary’s Modern Slavery Vulnerability Advisor John French 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.”

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 https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/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 https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ms/modern-slavery/