Seven vulnerable people being worked as ‘slaves’ have been rescued and 24 people arrested in a crackdown on modern slavery and human trafficking in Greater Manchester.
Teams from Greater Manchester Police’s Project Challenger visited 29 car washes, 15 brothels, three nail bars and 54 homes across the region this week to identify traffickers and those who profit from sexual exploitation.
Those rescued are extremely vulnerable and recovering from “intensive physical and psychological abuse”, police said today.
They have been taken to a reception centre supported by the British Red Cross for rehabilitation.
GMP Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said: “So far, the week of action has been a great success in locating vulnerable people and taking them away from the horror they have suffered at the hands of their exploiters and abusers.
“It is also a stark and tragic reminder that slavery is very much a 21st century crime, happening now – here, in our towns and cities.
“Victims are often promised a good job, financial security or a better life. In reality, they are forced to work in cramped, dangerous conditions for hours on end, with limited contact with their family and under complete control of their abusers.
Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Slavery is just as real and just as brutal in the 21st century in the UK as it has ever been.
“That thousands of people are trapped in a life of slavery on our own doorsteps is intolerable and should shock us all into action.
“So if you see anything suspicious or think something isn’t quite right, for example a neighbour being picked up by vehicles at odd times or living in overcrowded accommodation, then please speak out and help save victims and their families from a life of misery and servitude.”
Visit www.gmp.police.uk/wouldyou for more information.
