Victim of human trafficking rescued from Oldham following raids on illegal brothels

Five victims from Oldham, Reading, and Southampton were rescued

Police investigating a people smuggling gang with links to Romania have arrested seven people across the UK following a series of raids.

A total of five victims from Oldham, Reading, and Southampton were rescued and are now receiving help and support from police partners and specialist officers.

More than five thousand pounds worth of cash was also seized in the raids, along with several mobile phones.  Two illegal brothels were discovered, one in Southampton and the other in Reading.

Detective Inspector Angela Shipp from Wiltshire Police said:  "This was a major international operation led by us to arrest some of the suspects who we believe are members of a Europe wide organised crime group which traffic victims from Romania into the UK.

"These illegal organised gangs operate all over the world - they know no boundaries - and cause misery to countless victims who are often enslaved, have to live in often horrendous conditions with no quality of life, and are forced into sexual exploitation to survive.  

"The victims we rescued were engaged with, and are now being looked after by specially trained officers."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.