Two human trafficking arrests in Birmingham over an international escort agency

Two men from Birmingham are among nine arrested for human trafficking offences over an escort agency that offered paid sexual services in the UK and Spain.

The Birmingham suspects, aged 41 and 46, were arrested by West Midlands Police officers yesterday morning (Wednesday, March 20).

Three of the other suspects, aged 28, 29 and 55, were arrested in Sandwell. A 50 year-old man from Tamworth is also under arrest and a 68 year-old from Kent. All were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to control prostitution, conspiracy to traffic within the UK for sexual exploitation and money laundering offences.

All nine remain in custody for questioning and extradition proceedings for a man and woman arrested in Spain have begun. The suspects arrested in Spain are both aged 43, and it is believed that they controlled the business which profited greatly from sexual services - trafficking women within the UK to fulfil demand. The warrants were executed by officers from West Midlands Police working with the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WMROCU), Spanish National Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) after a lengthy, detailed and meticulous investigation into the escort agency. Detective Constable Steve Oldbury said: “The warrants executed yesterday are the result of a long running investigation into the activities of this organised crime group. We believe the group has netted thousands of pounds a week with funds regularly and illegally transferred out of the country.

“At the heart of this criminality is the women who are alleged to have been coerced and intimidated into performing sexual services. Their welfare is of the utmost concern. We work with partner agencies who are able to safeguard these women and provide ongoing support.”

Neil Keeping, National Crime Agency Regional Manager for Spain, said: “We know that organised crime groups target victims, both in the UK and overseas, for sexual exploitation purposes. Victims are often seeking a better life, but are instead forced into the sex industry where they are controlled and exploited by offenders who treat them as commodities in the pursuit of profit.

“Sexual exploitation is one of the most commonly reported forms of UK-based exploitation and is extremely harmful for adult victims. We are grateful to our partners in Spain who have assisted West Midlands Police with this investigation, and will continue to work with them as extradition proceedings begin.”

For more information visit on police action against human trafficking go to: West Midlands Police Modern Slavery