Arrests in Romania over Cambridge human trafficking

Cash in various currencies, weapons and other items were seized during raids in Romania last week

Three men have been arrested in Romania as part of an investigation into a suspected modern slavery and human trafficking network in Cambridge.

Officers based in the Dâmbovița region detained the men, aged in their 30s and 40s, last week, on suspicion of trafficking victims for sexual exploitation.

Cash in various currencies, electronic devices, weapons and documents were also seized.

The joint investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism relates to the trafficking of 21 women into the UK.

It came after ERSOU officers arrested three men in their 30s and 40s on suspicion of trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering offences in July.

A woman in her 20s was also detained at Luton Airport on suspicion of possession of criminal property. All four remain on bail.

Det Insp Dean Trollope, from ERSOU's Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "Our priority is always to protect vulnerable victims from exploitation, and this operation demonstrates the strength of working closely with law enforcement colleagues across Europe to dismantle organised crime groups operating across borders.

"These arrests are the latest enforcement activity as part of our ongoing investigation, and inquiries are ongoing."