12 arrested for immigration offences at Suffolk food factory

On Tuesday, July 2, Suffolk police visited a food manufacturing business in the county alongside government agencies including Immigration Enforcement and Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. 

Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences - but two were later de-arrested. 

Further intelligence is being developed and Immigration Enforcement is investigating the six men and four women who were arrested. 

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John French, the modern slavery vulnerability advisor for Suffolk police, said:  “Often victims are recruited under false pretences by external agencies, which means companies are unaware that workers may have been targeted and exploited. Typically, victims are foreign nationals but not always.

“This pre-planned joint agency operation is part of the work we do to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery, to ensure staff are working in safe environments and are not victims of exploitation.

“The aim is to disrupt this criminality and protect the vulnerable.

“These arrests have come about as a result of information received from a number of sources and we continue to urge members of the public to report suspected incidents of exploitation so we can help safeguard victims and pursue offenders.

“Signs of look out for are people being withdrawn, unable to make eye contact, or being reluctant to talk to strangers. Their appearance may be unkempt, they may appear malnourished, or show signs of physical or psychological injury.

"Their accommodation may be overcrowded and poorly maintained. They may lack some basic freedoms, such as not having access to their identity or travel documents and have their movements restricted.”

Anyone who suspects someone is employing illegal workers at their business show report it to the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700.