On Thursday, October 9, officers from the Eastern Area Investigation Team took part in Operation Machinize in partnership Immigration Officers and HMIC in Congleton.
A part of the operation officers visited two car washes in the town leading to the arrest of three men, one aged 33 and two aged 39, suspicion of modern slavery offences – the trio have since been released on bail.
In addition, four other men were also arrested by immigration and a number of items were seized, including a car, several mobile phones and a quantity of cash.
Following the visits, the owners of the car washers are likely to face significant fines of up to £45,000 per illegal worker.
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Anyone with concerns about organised immigration crime can contact Cheshire Police via 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/ and a member of their local Hidden Harm Team will be in touch.
Detective Constable Dominic Rogers, of the Eastern area Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said the raid was part of the work being carried to tackle exploitation.
He said: “We work hard to tackle criminals operating in our communities and today’s operation demonstrates just some of the work that we do day in, day out.
“While the vast majority of businesses in Congleton are operating legitimately, there are some who exploit the most vulnerable people in order to make financial gains.
“Those involved in such activities often have links to drug trafficking and distribution, organised immigration crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to identify those involved.
“I hope that the results from this operation will provide some reassurance to our communities and also act as a warning to those who are considering taking part in this type of activity.”