Brighton restaurant raid leads to two arrests for slavery

A police and immigration raid in Brighton led officers to arrest two men on suspicion of slavery and money laundering.

Detectives from Sussex Police held the two men at an address in Abbots Road, in Cheam, Surrey, on Wednesday evening (6 November) where cash totalling £150,000 was found.

They were arrested in connection with alleged offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and laundering money.

The pair, aged 49 and 59, were released on police bail until Sunday 2 March while police inquiries continue.

At the same time two restaurants were raided – one in Cranbourne Street, Brighton, and the other in South Coast Road, Peacehaven.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, which are being investigated by Home Office immigration enforcement officers.

The raids and arrests resulted from information that came to light when police and immigration officers raided China China restaurant in Preston Street, Brighton.

Ten men working there were detained by immigration officers during the raid which took place on Friday 18 October – International Anti-Slavery Day.

A 50-year-old Chinese woman was rescued during the raid and is being treated as a victim of human trafficking. She was taken to a safe place and offered professional help and support.

A 40-year-old man was arrested by police during the raid on suspicion of holding a person in slavery and servitude.

He was released on police bail until Monday 27 January while police inquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Betts said yesterday (Thursday 7 November): “Human trafficking and forced labour are horrendous crimes. People are treated as commodities and often live miserable lives.

“We know that organised crime groups look at human trafficking as high profit and low risk. We need that to change.

“Part of our activity on Anti-Slavery Day was aimed at raising awareness and checking on potentially vulnerable parts of our community.

“We were able to take one woman away from her poor work and living conditions and give her an opportunity to live a better life.

“These further arrests and search warrants last night show our commitment to exposing these potential crimes going on in our communities.

“We encourage anyone who has any information about such activity to contact us in confidence.”

He urged people to call Sussex Police on 101, to email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk or to call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne watched the police operation on Wednesday evening.

She said: “I expect many residents will be shocked to hear appalling crimes of this type can take place in Sussex.

“The signs of human trafficking and forced labour exploitation are not always easy to identify and I am pleased that Sussex Police is proactively raising awareness of the issue and seeking out those who may be vulnerable.

“We all have a part to play in recognising those people in our communities who may be at risk or have fallen victim to exploitation and to report it.”