Two arrests in Telford gangmaster raids
Two people have been arrested in Telford on suspicion of exploiting Bulgarian workers.
Officers from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) arrested a Bulgarian man and woman in two separate operations in Telford.
The 32-year-old man and 51-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of acting as unlicensed gangmasters under Section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.
GLAA investigators were joined by neighbourhood officers from West Mercia Police at addresses in the Overdale and Sutton Hill areas on Tuesday.
A spokesman for the GLAA said: "In both cases, officers acted following intelligence that the suspects had been financially exploiting Bulgarian workers who had recently arrived in the UK.
"The alleged offences are believed to have taken place towards the end of 2017 and start of 2018.
"Both suspects were interviewed and have been released under investigation.
"Officers also seized and secured evidence as part of the operations."
Anyone with information about potential modern slavery or labour exploitation should contact 0800 432 0804 or e-mail at intelligence@gla.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively, people can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
