Tue, 16 Jul 2013Seven people were arrested and 11 potential victims of human trafficking were identified in a joint operation involving the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and other law enforcement agencies in Derby.

Police believe that the 11 potential trafficking victims were trafficked into the UK from Eastern Europe and were working in meat processing and flower picking. Officers suspect some victims’ details may have been used to claim benefits fraudulently and that some victims may have been sent to work at different locations in Derby.

GLA chief executive officer Paul Broadbent says: “Forced labour is a deeply concerning and increasing crime trend among organised crime networks and as such it remains at the very top of the GLA agenda. This operation demonstrates that by pooling resources and expertise we can have an impact on those involved in this deeply unpleasant practice.”