POLICE raided five suspected brothels across Colchester in a major crackdown on human trafficking.
Under the name of Operation Helios more than 40 police officers carried out the simultaneous raids on Monday and made five arrests.
Supported by the UK Border Agency, Department of Work and Pensions Essex County Council trading standards and the Met Police’s specialist clubs and vice unit, houses in Harwich Road; George Williams Way, New Town; Winstree Road, Stanway; and Tynedale Square, Highwoods and Dorchester End; Old Heath were searched.
A 33-year-old woman from Thailand was taken into police care as it is believed that she has been brought into the country illegally and forced to work as a prostitute.
Three other women will be further interviewed by the UK Border Agency about their immigration status.
Acting Chief Inspector Andy Fusher said: “We are sending out the message that it is not acceptable in anyway to carry out this activity in Colchester."
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