Arrest made in Boldon Colliery as part of a modern slavery investigation
Northumbria Police have made three arrests as part of an investigation into modern slavery.
Three people have been arrested as part of a modern slavery investigation across South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle.
Officers at Northumbria Police carried out the arrests at addresses in Boldon Colliery, Elswick and Bensham on Wednesday, October 14.
Two women, aged 39 and 63, and one man, aged 32, were arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain, fraud by false representation and concealing criminal property.
Police have confirmed that all three have been released from custody on conditional bail pending further inquiries.
Ashley Loader, a Detective Inspector at Northumbria Police, has stated that the arrests show an “ongoing commitment” from the Force to tackle modern slavery across the North East.
The police officer said: “These arrests demonstrate our ongoing commitment to tackling modern slavery and targeting those who seek to exploit vulnerable people for their own gain.
“There is no wider risk to the public in relation to this investigation.
“This type of offending can have a devastating impact on victims.
“Modern slavery has no place in our communities.
“Enquiries remain ongoing and we will continue to work with our partners to safeguard those at risk and take robust action against anyone suspected of these types of offences.”
If any members of the public have information regarding the investigation, then they are asked to contact Northumbria Police via a direct message on social media or by using the live chat and report forms on the Force’s website at: https://www.northumbria.police.uk/.
If you cannot contact police in the above ways, then you should call 101.
Anyone with information is asked to quote the reference number: 26000470495.