A North London man has been arrested following a series of raids on suspected brothels in Barnet, Potters Bar, and St Albans last week. The Hertfordshire Police Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) conducted the operation between February 3rd and 6th, acting on intelligence suggesting sexual exploitation.
A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to control prostitution and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
During the operation, officers spoke with numerous foreign national women at the addresses and offered them support, connecting them with organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, ISVAs, and Victim Navigators.
Detective Sergeant Carmine Zanfardino of the MSHTU expressed gratitude to the Vineyard Church in St Albans for providing a reception center for potential victims and a base for partner agencies. He emphasized the intelligence-led nature of the operation and urged the public to be aware of the signs of exploitation and report any suspicions. DS Zanfardino also noted that while not all sex workers are exploited, many are vulnerable and at increased risk from criminal gangs.