Four Held In Trafficking Raids

30 January 2013, 16:44 | Updated: 30 January 2013, 16:49

Four men have been arrested following raids in Luton and London which were part of an investigation into a gang that promises women jobs as receptionists before forcing them into prostitution.

Police carried out the raids at eight addresses including a property on Butely Road in Luton, after a six-month inquiry.

They believe that an organised gang has trafficked hundreds of women, mostly from Hungary, into the UK.

Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland said: ``These arrests follow a six-month investigation. We believe that many women have been brought into the country having been told they will be given jobs, only to then be forced to work as prostitutes, with some being physically abused and raped in the process.

``Our main concern is for the victims. Today we have identified women we think have been sexually exploited, and they have all been offered care.''

Three Hungarian nationals were arrested in north London on suspicion of trafficking for sexual exploitation into, within and out of the UK, and perjury.