Three Arrested in Hampshire Slavery Crackdown
Police in Hampshire have made three arrests in a major modern-day slavery sweep targeting the illicit sex trade. Working alongside partner agencies, officers raided addresses linked to sex trafficking during a week-long operation to uproot slavery and exploitation.
Raid Targets Sex Trade and Slavery Rings
The crackdown aimed to identify and protect victims trapped in modern slavery within the sex industry across Hampshire. It also sought to gather vital intelligence on trafficking networks and organised crime operating in the region.
Multi-agency teams – including sexual health experts and Medaille Trust support workers specialising in modern slavery – descended on nine premises in Portsmouth, Southampton, and Basingstoke over four days starting Monday, 26 June. During the raids, police offered safeguarding advice to ten potential victims and arrested three men suspected of controlling exploitation.
Police Lead with Victims’ Welfare in Focus
Detective Inspector Tim Chappell, who led the operation, said: “This activity focuses heavily on safeguarding potential victims of modern slavery. We have a specialist team trained specifically to engage with victims. These officers led the visits.
“Together with our partners, we are showing potential victims that support is available to help them escape a life of modern slavery. Many come from countries where they mistrust police or don’t know how to seek help in the UK.”
“While the operation does not target those working in the commercial sex trade, we have made arrests related to controlling exploitation.”
