Four arrests in Hertfordshire trafficking probe

  • Published

Four people have been arrested in raids on properties in Hertfordshire and London as part of an investigation into human trafficking.

A man and woman from Moor Park, near Rickmansworth, were held on suspicion of two offences including forcing a person to live in inhumane conditions.

A 37-year-old woman was removed from the house and is now being cared for, police said.

In London a woman was arrested in St John's Wood, and a man in Harrow.

'Immoral trade'

All four suspects are being held at a north London police station.

Police believe the woman was trafficked to the UK in 2005 and forced to work in London before being trafficked to a property in Moor Park, Hertfordshire.

The victim is being cared for by a charitable organisation.

Det Ch Insp Shirley Sargent, who led the investigation for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "Human trafficking, particularly in the form of servitude, is a hidden crime and we will do everything we can to ensure this immoral trade is stopped.

"But in order to do this we also need help from the public."

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