A Samurai sword recovered during the arrests
(Picture: Met Police )More than dozen people were arrested in London and Romania on Wednesday morning as police smashed an alleged criminal gang believed to be trafficking women into the UK for sexual exploitation.
Police in London and Romania arrested nine men and five women in an operation targeting a suspected Organised Crime Group believed to be trafficking women under the guise of running a “high-class escort business” in the capital.
Officers believe large profits were being generated by the gang through the ‘business’, laundered through British banks, before being sent to Romania to benefit high-ranking members of the gang.
As part of their operations, police swooped on addresses in Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Camden, arresting two men and four women aged between 25 and 39.
Inside the properties, police found two Romanian women who are being supported by specially-trained officers.
A Samurai sword, Class A drugs, cash and high value goods were also discovered.
In Romania, police executed ten search warrants to target the same gang, with seven men and one woman being arrested.
The Romanian National Police seized four cars, worth around €250,000 (£212,128). They have also applied to seize assets totalling €1,000,000, (£848,735).
Enquiries linked to the investigation are continuing throughout the day, said police.
Detective Inspector Jim Madden, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This investigation will continue as we look to find everyone involved, protect vulnerable victims and uncover the true scale of this illegal operation.
“Unfortunately, this type of exploitation is still happening across London.
“The Met’s Modern Slavery Team works around the clock to identify people involved in human trafficking and those who are subsequently sexually exploited, and we play a role in protecting and supporting hundreds of victims each year.
“As seen in this case, we work closely with national and international partners to share intelligence and identify and detain criminals who profit from exploiting vulnerable people.”
Officers said that if anyone suspects themselves or others to be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking could seek support, on The Salvation Army’s 24 hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.
