Eighteen people have been taken to a reception centre and 27 people have been arrested in Greater Manchester as part of a week-long regional crackdown on modern slavery and human trafficking.
Police and partner agencies visited 207 addresses across Greater Manchester, including car washes, nail bars, brothels and factories.
Greater Manchester Police arrested 14 people and immigration officers arrested 13 people for crimes such as modern slavery, kidnap, illegal workers and suspicion of illegal entry.
Police also recovered a Range Rover and made 34 referrals to other agencies such as HMRC, DWP and Housing Standards.
Greater Manchester Police worked alongside Cheshire Constabulary, Merseyside Police, North Wales Police, Lancashire Constabulary and Cumbria Constabulary as part of the largest modern slavery week of action the region has seen.
The week of action, which coincided with anti-slavery day, was also supported by agencies including Immigration, Environmental Health, GMFRS, HMRC, Border Force, NHS, DWP and STOP THE TRAFFIK.
Suspected victims were taken to a reception centre run by the British Red Cross. Specially trained staff worked to protect the victim from further harm and provide them with much-needed care, support and rehabilitation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, Head of Crime said: “The week of action reinforces our commitment to helping vulnerable people, taking them to a place of safety and giving them the support they need. This is and will continue to be our main priority."
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