Alleged Slavery Victims Safe and Well

30 June 2014, 18:30

Gwent Police say two alleged victims of slavery are safe and thought to be in a “good condition”.

Earlier this morning raids were carried out at five addresses in Cardiff and Bristol, leading to the arrests of four men from the Rumney area.

The men – aged between 34 and 57 – are being held over claims involving kidnap, false imprisonment and assault.

Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths is leading the investigation into Operation Imperial:

“I think because of the investigation that we conducted last year, we’ve obviously generated a lot of trust within the communities to come forward and tell us what’s going on.

“ As a result of that we’ve started to uncover lines of inquiry, victims and witnesses”

Details of the alleged victims, or where they were found aren’t being disclosed.

But Heart’s been told they were discovered before the raids and arrests today.

D Supt Griffiths is encouraging anyone with their suspicions to get in touch with police:

“It’s looking for the vulnerable in our society and looking to see whether people are under any threat or coercion to do things.

“What we’d appeal for is any information regarding any vulnerable adults, please contact us and we’ll  try and locate them and give them every support possible to ensure that they’re safe”.

You can contact the Imperial team directly on 01633 647174, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.