Warrants at suspected brothels across Gillingham and London led to Kent Police arresting four people on suspicion of modern day slavery offences.
On the morning of Wednesday 31 March 2021, the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out six warrants as part of an investigation into the alleged management of brothels, nationwide.
Around £4,800 in cash was seized along with two laptops, seven mobile phones and various documentation that is believed to be linked to the control of prostitution.
The Gillingham warrant, which took place in the Balmoral Road area, led to a 33-year-old man being detained on suspicion of keeping a brothel, money laundering and fraud. He has since been released pending further enquires.
A 48-year-old woman, of no fixed address, and a 60-year-old man from the Wood Green area of London, were also arrested on suspicion of keeping a brothel following further searches at five addresses in North London. They have also been released pending further enquiries.
Two days after the enforcement activity a 35-year-old also attended Kent Police Headquarters in Northfleet. The man from Wood Green, was later charged with conspiring to control prostitution for gain and acquiring criminal property.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 3 April. At the hearing, he was further remanded and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 4 May.
Kent Police is currently running a marketing and social media campaign in partnership with Crimestoppers UK aimed at raising awareness of modern slavery and helping members of the public to spot the signs that somebody may be being exploited.
In addition to information and advice posted on the Kent Police and Crimestoppers websites, messages are being shared through organisations including Neighbourhood Watch, parish and town councils and local chambers of commerce.
Leaflets have also been printed in a variety of languages and distributed in those communities where modern slavery and human trafficking offences are most prevalent.