Menu
25/03/2004
40 arrested in swoops on immigrant gangmasters
Forty people have been arrested throughout the country as part of an operation to crack down on the exploitation of illegal immigrants in the UK.
Officers from 'Operation Absent', a multi-agency investigation, swung into action in the early hours of this morning and arrests were made by officers from Norfolk, Grampian, the Metropolitan Police, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the Immigration Service.
In the biggest swoop, 31 workers were arrested in the Aberdeen area and are currently being interviewed by the Immigration Service. Four men, alleged to be 'lieutenants' in a people trafficking organisation, were also arrested.
Among those arrested were six people who are being held on suspicion of facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants into the UK, and also on suspicion of money laundering.
Other arrests included a Ukrainian man in his early 40s from the King's Lynn area whom police suspect is one of the biggest illegal gangmasters in the country. Another man, also believed to be Ukrainian, from King's Lynn was also arrested.
Detective Inspector Paul Cunningham form the Norfolk Constabulary, who is leading the Economic Crime Unit investigation, said: "This is one of the biggest operations of this kind in the Eastern region. Our aim was to stop immigrants, some legal, some illegal, from being abused.
"These people are modern day slaves, working 15-hour days, living in overcrowded, unsuitable conditions and paid a pittance for their trouble whilst their gang masters live in luxury and launder the profits."
(gmcg)
Officers from 'Operation Absent', a multi-agency investigation, swung into action in the early hours of this morning and arrests were made by officers from Norfolk, Grampian, the Metropolitan Police, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the Immigration Service.
In the biggest swoop, 31 workers were arrested in the Aberdeen area and are currently being interviewed by the Immigration Service. Four men, alleged to be 'lieutenants' in a people trafficking organisation, were also arrested.
Among those arrested were six people who are being held on suspicion of facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants into the UK, and also on suspicion of money laundering.
Other arrests included a Ukrainian man in his early 40s from the King's Lynn area whom police suspect is one of the biggest illegal gangmasters in the country. Another man, also believed to be Ukrainian, from King's Lynn was also arrested.
Detective Inspector Paul Cunningham form the Norfolk Constabulary, who is leading the Economic Crime Unit investigation, said: "This is one of the biggest operations of this kind in the Eastern region. Our aim was to stop immigrants, some legal, some illegal, from being abused.
"These people are modern day slaves, working 15-hour days, living in overcrowded, unsuitable conditions and paid a pittance for their trouble whilst their gang masters live in luxury and launder the profits."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 November 2014
One Briton And 13 Albanians Arrested After Boat Trys To Dock Illegally
A man has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry to the UK after a number of Albanian men were caught trying to disembark a boat in Eastbourne. It is understood the harbour master at Sovereign Harbour alerted authorities when the boat arrived and he saw several people try to disembark.
One Briton And 13 Albanians Arrested After Boat Trys To Dock Illegally
A man has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry to the UK after a number of Albanian men were caught trying to disembark a boat in Eastbourne. It is understood the harbour master at Sovereign Harbour alerted authorities when the boat arrived and he saw several people try to disembark.
20 April 2010
Illegal Immigrant Paedophile Stays In UK
A paedophile who abducted underage girls for sex can't be deported because of his human rights. Zulfar Hussain, 48, was to be deported after spending almost three years behind bars for "shocking" attacks on two vulnerable teens. But an immigration judge has ruled he can stay in the UK after the sex offender mounted a legal challenge.
Illegal Immigrant Paedophile Stays In UK
A paedophile who abducted underage girls for sex can't be deported because of his human rights. Zulfar Hussain, 48, was to be deported after spending almost three years behind bars for "shocking" attacks on two vulnerable teens. But an immigration judge has ruled he can stay in the UK after the sex offender mounted a legal challenge.
30 June 2005
Government reveals illegal immigrant figures
There are around 430,000 illegal immigrants living in the UK, the Home Office has reported, although the number could be as high as 570,000. According to the report, the Home Office estimated that the number of illegal immigrants living in Britain was somewhere between 310,000 and 570,000. The central estimate of 430,000 is the equivalent of 0.
Government reveals illegal immigrant figures
There are around 430,000 illegal immigrants living in the UK, the Home Office has reported, although the number could be as high as 570,000. According to the report, the Home Office estimated that the number of illegal immigrants living in Britain was somewhere between 310,000 and 570,000. The central estimate of 430,000 is the equivalent of 0.
02 June 2015
Eight Men Arrested Following Dawn Raids
Over 100 police officers have carried out a series of raids concerning child sexual exploitation offences in Oxford. Eight men were arrested following the raids at 6am this morning 2 June. Police are investigating approximately 60 offences in connection with the operation relating to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007.
Eight Men Arrested Following Dawn Raids
Over 100 police officers have carried out a series of raids concerning child sexual exploitation offences in Oxford. Eight men were arrested following the raids at 6am this morning 2 June. Police are investigating approximately 60 offences in connection with the operation relating to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007.
24 October 2014
Portsmouth Man Charged With Terrorism Offences
A man from Portsmouth is due to appear in court today, 24 October, charged with the preparation of terrorism acts. Tuhin Shanesha, from South Sea, was charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.
Portsmouth Man Charged With Terrorism Offences
A man from Portsmouth is due to appear in court today, 24 October, charged with the preparation of terrorism acts. Tuhin Shanesha, from South Sea, was charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
