Thirteen arrests in veg-packing exploitation case

Thirteen people have been arrested in Peterborough on exploitation charges relating to potato, carrot and parsnip washers and packers.

The police, Peterborough City Council and National Crime Agency (NCA)-led operation, named Operation Launch, began at 4am yesterday (Tuesday), and also involved the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), the British Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Operation Launch is the Peterborough-led response to Operation Mustily, an ongoing NCA investigation into people trafficking and enforced labour of Slovakian nationals within the UK.

In total, about 300 police and partner agency officers and staff were involved in the activity in Peterborough, which saw raids and arrests at 20 properties across the city.

The people arrested, six men and seven women, have all been taken to Thorpe Wood Police Station.

Two other men were also arrested, one on suspicion of rape and another on warrant.

Officers engaged with a total of 46 potential victims, 20 of which, including six children, have been removed from the properties and taken to a reception centre, facilitated by Peterborough City Council, while further enquiries are carried out.

Peterborough commander, superintendent Tony Ixer, said: 'Our priority has been, and always will be, to protect members of the public from harm. We are committed to working with partner agencies to tackle human trafficking and we are targeting those who gain from others’ suffering.

'Victims are often promised a better life in the UK with well-paid work but often end up in over-crowded accommodation and immediately placed in debt to a criminal who controls their affairs.

“They are generally deceived as to the type of work they'll be doing, the conditions of it and the pay they receive.

'They are paid wages well below the legal minimum for extremely long hours and their pay is often taken to service debt on their accommodation.

'Victims are often too frightened to come forward and reluctant to seek help from authorities. However, I would urge anyone who feels they are being exploited or has any concerns about individuals to contact police.”