Two Arrested In Eastbourne In Slavery Investigation After Bexhill Discovery

Thursday, 11 March 2021 06:35

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Officers tackling modern slavery raided a pair of addresses in Eastbourne yesterday (March 10), and arrested a man and a woman.

A team from "East Sussex Project Discovery", which police said was working with partners including investigators from the Department of Work & Pensions, executed warrants to search a residential address and an office in Eastbourne.

At the residential address in Kings Drive, officers arrested a man aged 53 and a woman aged 45 on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, and/or human trafficking, under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The pair were additionally arrested on suspicion of dishonestly making a false representation with a view to obtaining a benefit, under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

After being interviewed they were released on police bail until 7 April while enquiries continue.

Documents, digital devices and related records were seized there — and at an office address in Gildredge Road.

Police said the investigation related to a recent discovery at an address in Bexhill High Street, where officers had found two women from Brazil who admitted offering sexual services.

Inspector Rachel Barrow said:

"We continue to work with partners to develop intelligence about any signs that vulnerable workers are being exploited over their conditions of employment and accommodation in East Sussex."

Describing East Sussex Project Discovery, officers said the programme brings together local police, fire officers, Stop the Traffik Hastings, King's Church and staff from Hastings and Rother Councils, DWP, HMRC, Home Office Immigration, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, and local charities.

Their aim is to see victims of modern slavery rescued and supported, and the perpetrators brought to justice.

Click or tap here for Sussex Police's information on tackling modern slavery in the county.