Hertfordshire Constabulary conducted a modern slavery operation on Thursday, December 12th, resulting in the arrest of a 50-year-old Dunstable man.
Officers visited an address in Elstree where they discovered a woman in distress. Investigations revealed that she was a foreign national who had been trafficked into sex work upon arrival in the UK.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Watkins stated that this unfortunate situation highlights the vulnerability of individuals who may be exploited upon entering the country. Victims often face limited control over their work, with their earnings controlled by traffickers. Fear and the removal of travel documents further restrict their freedom.
The arrested individual was released on bail pending further investigation into human trafficking and modern slavery offenses.