TWO men were arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering offences after a raid at a Gillingham business premises.

Dorset Police, alongside colleagues from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Immigration Enforcement to execute a warrant on Wednesday (July 29), as part of an investigation into suspected exploitation, immigration and financial offences.

Launched following intelligence from the community and detailed enquiries, the raid was carried out as part of Operation Alpena and saw a 20-year-old man from Sussex and a 22-year-old man from Buckinghamshire being arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering offences.

They have been released on police bail as further enquiries are carried out.

“Three further men were also arrested for immigration offences, with Immigration Enforcement leading on this element of the investigation,” a police spokesperson said.

“The day of action also enabled partners to safeguard a number of individuals.”

PC Bradley Gibbs, of the North Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard vulnerable individuals and take positive action against those involved in this type of reported criminality.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding as we carried out this warrant and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“As ever, we are indebted to members of the public for providing information and intelligence and would urge anyone with further information in relation to this matter or offences of this nature to please contact us.”

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation should contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 55260079614. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or on 0800 555 111.

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