Three people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into modern slavery, in multiple locations across the North East. Northumbria Police officers made the arrests at addresses in Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Tyneside last Wednesday.
Arrests in Elswick, Bensham, and Boldon Colliery
Police, acting on intelligence that had been gathered, detained three suspects in the Elswick, Bensham, and Boldon Colliery areas respectively. This included two women, aged 63 and 39, and a man, aged 32, who were arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain, fraud by false representation, and concealing criminal property.
Released on conditional bail
All three have been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries, and the force continues to ask people to make contact with them if they have information regarding this case which they feel could help officers as they continue the investigation.
Detective Inspector Ashley Loader, of Northumbria Police, said: "These arrests demonstrate our ongoing commitment to tackling modern slavery and targeting those who seek to exploit vulnerable people for their own gain."
"There is no wider risk to the public in relation to this investigation. This type of offending can have a devastating impact on victims. Modern slavery has no place in our communities."
"Enquiries remain ongoing and we will continue to work with our partners to safeguard those at risk and take robust action against anyone suspected of these types of offences."
How to contact police
To contact police, send a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the website. If you are unable to make contact via those ways, call 101, quoting the following reference number: 26000470495.
