10 arrests in human trafficking crackdown led by South Yorkshire Police

Eight suspected victims, all women, aged between 18 and 30, were also identified and given refuge as officers targeted what is believed to be an international human trafficking ring.

Officers in South Yorkshire teamed up with counterparts across the country and authorities in Romania to carry out the major operation.

Eight men and two women are being questioned after they were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and money laundering.

Police this morning raided five addresses across the country, and properties in Romania were also searched by authorities there.

In the UK, local police teams searched premises in Staffordshire, Norfolk, London and Northumbria, with support from the National Crime Agency and specialist operations units.

At an address in Ilford, Essex, two women, aged 23 and 36, and three men, two aged 30 and one age 34, were arrested.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at a property in Newcastle, two men, aged 38 and 19, were arrested at a house in Stoke-on-Trent, a 28 year-old man was arrested at a house in Norwich, and a 37-year-old man was arrested in Romania.

Eight women identified as potential trafficking victims have been taken to a place of safety, where police said they would be provided with support.

Detective Inspector Claire Mayfield, leading the investigation for South Yorkshire Police, said: “Protecting the most vulnerable people in our society, including those who have been brought into the country for the sole purpose of exploitation, and identifying offenders involved in this serious crime type, is our absolute priority.

“With the support of our colleagues at the other assisting forces, specialist policing resources and the authorities in Romania, we have been able to significantly disrupt a suspected organised crime group and identify potential offenders.

“A key part of today was also about identifying potential victims of trafficking and providing immediate safeguarding.

“The people we identified today were taken to places of safety where they were offered immediate, practical support. As the investigation progresses, they will be spoken to and offered the relevant long-term support.”

The operation was also supported by the Insurance Fraud Bureau, Europol AP Phoenix, the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Police and Prosecutors.

Dan Mihalache, the Romanian ambassador in the UK, said: “This is the second time during only the last week, when the British police and the Romanian police have joined efforts to dismantle a suspected organised crime group believed to be exploiting young women.

“I praise the work of the Romanian police and South Yorkshire Police, who have proved today that together we can be more powerful and we can make our communities safer.”

Anyone with concerns about human trafficking should call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also call the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.