Officers from the UK Border Agency have netted a total of five immigration offenders in a series of raids across Colchester and Ipswich at suspected brothels.

On the 23rd of November the UKBA led a joint operation in conjunction with Suffolk and Essex police, the Metropolitan Police Clubs and the Department for Work and Pensions which saw seven addresses visited – two in Ipswich and five in Colchester.

An Abbey Court property in Ipswich saw a 43-year-old Chinese woman arrested under suspicion of controlling or managing a brothel. The woman, who had entered Britain illegally, was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and charged with intent to supply. Another Chinese man was also arrested under suspicion of controlling or managing a brothel in Mountbatten Court. The 43-year-old had overstayed his visa.

Three other Chinese nationals were released on bail after it was discovered the women were all illegal entrants into the UK ahead of their removal from Britain, for which arrangements are currently being made.

A sixth person, a 33-year-old Thai woman, has been placed into police care and is considered a potential human trafficking victim.

Heralding the success of the raids the UK Border Agency’s Midland and East Regional Director Gail Adams stated that the agency has shown that it is committed to uncovering trafficking victims and places their care as a top priority. The partnership with local authorities has resulted in the adoption of a victim-led approach in their investigations

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