Barnet Escorts

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.

Six women have been rescued from a modern slavery ring in north London after being lured to the capital by fake boyfriends.

The women, all from Romania, were targeted by human traffickers who used the so-called "loverboy" tactic to win their trust. The traffickers would pose as romantic partners, building relationships with the women before convincing them to travel to London. Once in the UK, the women were forced into prostitution.

The rescue operation was carried out by a joint team of Metropolitan Police officers and Romanian Police, supported by Eurojust and Europol. In a series of raids in the early hours of Friday morning, officers simultaneously executed 12 warrants in Iasi, Romania, and three in Colindale, north London.

As part of the raids, large quantities of cash, high-value watches and vehicles, and firearms were seized in Romania. Five people were arrested in Romania, and a 24-year-old man was arrested in London.

The women are now being supported by specialist officers and the charity Justice and Care.

This is a serious case of modern slavery, and it is important to remember that these women are victims. They were tricked and manipulated by the traffickers, and they deserve our compassion and support. We must all work together to combat modern slavery and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.

Five people have been detained in Romania and a 24-year-old man has been arrested in London on suspicion of modern slavery offences.

The arrests were made as part of a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and Romanian Police, supported by Eurojust and Europol.

The operation targeted an organised criminal network suspected of recruiting and grooming women in Romania before trafficking them to the UK where they were forced into prostitution.

Six victims were rescued during the operation and are now being supported by specialist officers and the charity Justice and Care.

Detective Inspector Melanie Lillywhite from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime’s Modern Slavery Unit said: “This is a significant operation which has disrupted a major organised criminal network involved in modern slavery.

“The victims of this crime have been subjected to horrific abuse and exploitation, and I am pleased that they have been rescued and are now being supported.

“Modern slavery is a serious crime which is still happening in London and across the UK. The Met’s modern slavery team works around the clock to identify and protect victims, and we will continue to do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

If you suspect that someone is being trafficked, please contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700. You can also report it online at www.modernslaveryhelpline.org.uk.