After clearance from the multiple agencies involved, a statement released by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority this morning reveals Suffolk Police made the arrests on Tuesday 12 February following a pre-planned operation.

Working with partners at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), National Crime Agency (NCA), Europol, Romanian Police, Red Cross, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council, a number of warrants and searches were conducted in central Ipswich and Kesgrave.

Officers made seven arrests on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. Five men and two women were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and were later released on police bail until Friday 1 March pending further enquiries.

A man was also arrested on a European Arrest Warrant. Europol supported the investigation by providing analytical support, deploying one analyst during the operation phase to deliver cross-checks immediately.

A large quantity of paperwork and a quantity of cash were recovered and seized as part of the operation. A number of potential victims were also located and spoken to by the agencies involved.

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