In a sweeping series of operations targeting car washes, nail bars, and pop-up brothels, South Yorkshire Police apprehended 48 individuals suspected of engaging in organized immigration crime and illicit labor practices. The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of £1,400 worth of counterfeit vapes, the discovery of over 100 cannabis plants, the seizure of £3,000 in cash, and the impoundment of four vehicles, all purportedly linked to instances of modern slavery and exploitation.
A total of four car washes across Barnsley, Rotherham, and Sheffield were shut down, with one employer facing a potential £60,000 penalty. The comprehensive sweep involved searches at more than 40 car washes, nail bars, pop-up brothels, and over 60 residential and vehicular locations, including trucks, under the umbrella of Operation Bubbles. Collaborating with agencies such as the Immigration Service, Department for Work and Pensions, Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, officers led the extensive investigations.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Sedgwick underscored the link between unregulated hand car washes and broader organized crime, encompassing drug production, human trafficking, money laundering, and various forms of exploitation. Sedgwick emphasized the diverse nature of modern slavery victims, spanning men, women, and children from various countries and backgrounds, often affecting the most vulnerable or marginalized communities. This concerted effort aimed to combat exploitation in its multifaceted manifestations within society.