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Officers forced entry into an abattoir on Higher Bury Street in Stockport on Thursday 30th January 2025, while a second warrant was executed simultaneously at a residential property on Merlin Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.
A man and a woman – both in their thirties – were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and an offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, contrary to S1 and s2 of The Modern Slavery Act.
A man also in his thirties was arrested at the abattoir after he tried to evaded police, fleeing from the site and hiding on a nearby roof. We discovered he was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK. He is now being processed by Immigration Enforcement.
This operation took place after we received disclosure alleging a man who previously worked at the abattoir was a victim of modern day slavery. The claims are that he was forced to live in the abattoir and work around the clock to pay off extortionate debts that were said to be associated with a sponsorship visa and travel expenses.
Detectives acted quickly, following lines of enquiry, gathering potential evidence, and coordinating a joint response with national agencies: the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Home Office Border Security and Asylum. This included the Salvation Army and Crime and Justice charity.
The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 employees onsite with a keen eye for spotting signs of exploitation. We also seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation as our investigations continue.
Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP’s Stockport Challenger Team said: “We hope this robust and coordinated action taken in response a concerning report instils confidence in our approach to tackling modern slavery head on.
“Officers spoke with every employee working within the abattoir last night, they were receptive to our presence, and we engaged in good discussions around their working conditions, payment, and terms of employment.
“It’s so important we do this diligence and thankfully there were no further claims of exploitation. We have communicated the support that is available and how to access it should anyone choose to come forward.
“This activity forms one of several active modern slavery investigations within the force. In 2024 we supported more victims of modern slavery and held more offenders accountable for the misery they caused as 80 charges were laid – 40% more than the previous year – and 19 convicted were secured, up from seven, with several cases continuing to progress through the criminal justice system.
“Modern slavery is happening across Greater Manchester, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of this crime, or suspect someone they know could be, to report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.
“You can report modern slavery to us using our online crime reporting service.
Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operations at Justice and Care, said: “Our Victim Navigators were deployed alongside police and other agencies on Thursday and it was fantastic to see a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to tackling alleged modern slavery.
‘Navigators are embedded in police forces across the UK and help survivors to rebuild their lives and secure justice against exploiters. We are supporting the survivor in this case and commend their bravery in coming forward.
‘If you are experiencing exploitation, please know you are not alone, and support is available.
‘Every person out there can play a part in fighting modern slavery by learning to spot the signs and reporting any concerns to police or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.”
Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Investigations Manager Michael Heyes said: “The GLAA works to stop the exploitation of workers in the UK and ensure that they are treated fairly. We have powers to investigate modern slavery offences and work with law enforcement and other partners to achieve this end.
“The GLAA has been involved in at least seven modern slavery and human trafficking investigations in Greater Manchester between April 2024 and January 2025.
“The GLAA is an intelligence-led organisation. Anyone with information or concerns about workers being exploited for their labour should email [email protected] or use the online reporting form which can be found at www.gla.gov.uk.”
Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Major Kathy Betteridge said: "The Salvation Army was on site today with Greater Manchester Police to make available specialist support for any potential victims of modern slavery identified. It is vital that victims’ needs are assessed, and they receive immediate access to protective care and specialised support, available through a Government contract operated by The Salvation Army.
“We work with survivors as they begin the long journey to rebuild their lives and their trust in humanity. Support provided by The Salvation Army can include intensive 24/7 support for people with high-level needs as well as safe accommodation, counselling and help with returning home, finances and finding employment.
"If you suspect that you, or someone you have come into contact with may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please call The Salvation Army’s 24-hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733."
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, said: “Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that dehumanises people for profit. We are committed to tackling it in all its forms and giving survivors the support and certainty they need to rebuild their lives.
“We know that many people are sold lies about their ability to live and work in the UK and are often subjected to squalid conditions and illegal working hours for little to no pay.
“That’s why, as well as playing a critical safeguarding role, our immigration officers are also ramping up enforcement activity across the country to clamp down on illegal working and the exploitation of illegal workers to put a stop to the abuse of our immigration system and ensure those involved face the full consequences.”
Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, said: "Modern slavery is an appalling crime that has no place in our communities. Exploiting vulnerable people for profit is utterly unacceptable, and I fully support the efforts of our teams in bringing those responsible to justice.
"I’d like to welcome the way different agencies are working in partnership to tackle this disgusting crime. Through Programme Challenger, our partnership with GMP and a broad range of partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to tackle serious and organised crime, we are making a real difference, ensuring victims are protected and offenders face the consequences of their actions.
"We all have a part to play in spotting the signs of modern slavery. If something doesn't feel right, take action and report it. And I ask businesses specifically, please consider your supply chains and whether there may be a risk that modern slavery is happening where you access goods and services.
"Greater Manchester will not tolerate such exploitation, and we remain committed to rooting it out wherever it occurs."