TWO people have been arrested in Belfast today on suspicion of human trafficking following an investigation into suspected labour exploitation.
A 42-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were arrested by officers from the PSNI’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) in the Antrim Road area.
If follows the arrest of three men and a woman in Belfast last week on suspicion of immigration offences, all of whom have since been deported.
Today’s arrests were part of the National Crime Agency’s latest phase of Operation Aidant, a two-week coordinated series of operations targeting modern slavery and human trafficking.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell from the MSHTU said the campaign was focussing on adults who have been trafficked to Britain, or exploited in Britain for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
'Any street, any town'
“It can be hard to believe that this type of crime exists today as it remains quite hidden, but it does and it could be happening in any street and in any town in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“Victims are often afraid to speak out or unable to report their ordeal to police for a number of reasons including language barriers or simply because they are held captive.
“It’s for this reason we all need to work together to help victims and stop this unacceptable crime.”
The two people arrested today were taken to Musgrave Street Police Station where they are currently being questioned by police.
Anyone with suspicions regarding human trafficking can call police on 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline, 08000 121 700.
