Brighton restaurant closes weeks after police raid found ‘trafficked’ woman

A Brighton restaurant has shut its doors weeks after police and immigration officers raided the premises and freed a 50-year-old woman who was believed to have been ‘trafficked’.

China China, in Preston Street, Brighton, was raided on Friday 18 October – International Anti-Slavery Day.

Since the raid the restaurant has closed until further notice and a sheet of A4 paper has been taped to the window.

It said: “China China. Notice of temporary closure.

“Dear Customers, China China restaurant will be closed for refurbishment as from (Sunday) 15 December until further notice.

“Kindest regards from China China management, Fast Fusion Ltd.”

Ten men working at the restaurant were detained by immigration officers during the raid in October, Sussex Police said afterwards.

A 50-year-old Chinese woman was rescued during the raid and was being treated as a victim of human trafficking.

The force added that she was taken to a safe place and offered professional help and support.

It said that information that came to light during the raid on China China had led Sussex Police to raid an address in Abbots Road, in Cheam, Surrey, and arrest two men.

When officers raided the address in Cheam, on Wednesday 6 November, they found cash totalling £150,000.

The men 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 as the arrests were made in Cheam, two local 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.