A major police investigation that began in Chippenham has led to five arrests across the country and the safeguarding of seven women, after concerns were raised locally about possible human trafficking at two premises in the town.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), supported by Wiltshire Police and other regional forces, carried out seven warrants on Wednesday 15th October at premises operating as ‘massage parlours’ in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Reading.
The operation follows months of intelligence work that began when members of the public reported concerns about two businesses in Chippenham.
A man in his 30's from Leicester, and a man and woman in their 50's from Bristol, were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, and money laundering. A woman in her 60s from Walton-on-Thames in Kent and a man in his 60s from Bury St Edmunds were also arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
All five remain in police custody.
Seven women were found during searches and are now with specially trained officers to assess their welfare and safeguarding needs.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith from SWROCU said the investigation grew out of information provided by local people. “This investigation started due to public concerns raised to Wiltshire Police about two premises in Chippenham,” he said. “It’s grown from there, resulting in five arrests for serious offences, and most importantly, the safeguarding of seven women.
“Community intelligence is so important – officers searching the premises today have had so much positive feedback that action’s been taken – so our plea is to keep such information coming.”
Sgt Jamie Ball, who led local operations in Chippenham, thanked residents for their support. “Although the investigation is still in the early stages, I know that a number of vulnerable women will now be safeguarded as a direct result of the information provided and the investigative work carried out,” he said.
Police say the businesses had been operating under the guise of health and wellbeing centres, but intelligence suggested sexual services were being offered on the premises.
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