Two arrested for human trafficking young women from Brazil

Detectives investigating a gang responsible for trafficking young women from Brazil to work in brothels in north London have made two arrests following a series of warrants today (15 April). Officers from Vulnerability Investigations, which is part of Specialist Crime, executed warrants at three addresses in the Wembley this morning, Wednesday, 15 April. A woman, aged 28  and a man, aged 29, were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and human trafficking offences. They were taken to a north London police station where they remain in custody. The arrests are part of an investigation into an organised criminal network responsible for the trafficking of females into the UK from Brazil for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The victims were deceived into thinking they had secured a scholarship to study in the UK, but when they arrived, they were tricked into working in brothels in Harrow and Wembley to repay the costs of their flights, accommodation and education.   Detective Inspector Grant Anderson, from Vulnerability Investigations, said: “This was a fantastic team effort which has resulted in two men being arrested for very serious offences, where vulnerable women have been tricked, controlled and sexually exploited. “The Met takes all reports of modern slavery and sexual offences extremely seriously and is committed to prosecuting those who engage in this pernicious crime. I would encourage anyone who has suffered from these kind of offences to report them to police. We will treat you with sensitivity and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.” Enquiries continue.