The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has arrested three Romanian nationals on suspicion of human trafficking offences in Derbyshire, with four potential victims safeguarded by officers.

A 17-year-old man and two women aged 33 and 36 were arrested by GLAA investigators at a residential address in Shirebrook on the morning of Wednesday 5 September. All three suspects, who were arrested for alleged offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Four Romanian women aged in their 30s were identified as potential victims and have been rescued and safeguarded.

GLAA investigators also searched properties in Shirebrook and Mansfield to preserve potential evidence.

The operation was conducted with police officers from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire together with partners from Bolsover and Mansfield District Councils.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our police and council partners whose hard work alongside us has resulted in a successful operation,” GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Powell said. “Continued partnership working like this sends a clear message to offenders that we have a zero tolerance approach to this sort of criminality. We will keep working together to protect vulnerable workers and do all we can to eradicate modern slavery.”