Officers from West Midlands Police, collaborating with the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WMROCU), Spanish National Police, and the National Crime Agency (NCA), executed warrants following an extensive investigation into an escort agency offering paid sexual services in the United Kingdom and Spain.
The investigation alleges that the leaders of the organized crime group orchestrated and profited significantly from these sexual services, trafficking women within the UK to meet demand.
In Madrid, Spanish National Police apprehended a 43-year-old man and woman, suspected to have managerial control over the enterprise.
Concurrently, warrants were executed in the West Midlands and beyond. In Kent, a 68-year-old man was arrested, while a 50-year-old man was detained in Tamworth. Additionally, three men, aged 28, 29, and 55, were arrested in Sandwell, and two men, aged 41 and 46, were apprehended in Birmingham.
All individuals were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy charges related to controlling prostitution, trafficking within the UK for sexual exploitation, and money laundering offenses.
The nine suspects remain in custody for interrogation, with extradition proceedings initiated for the individuals detained in Spain.
Detective Constable Steve Oldbury remarked, "Today's warrants are the culmination of a protracted investigation into the activities of this organized crime syndicate. It is believed that the group generated substantial profits weekly, with funds illicitly transferred abroad on a regular basis. Central to this criminal operation are the women allegedly coerced and manipulated into providing sexual services. Their welfare is paramount, and we collaborate with partner agencies to ensure their safeguarding and ongoing support."
Neil Keeping, National Crime Agency Regional Manager for Spain, emphasized the vulnerability of victims targeted by organized crime groups for sexual exploitation, both domestically and internationally. He stressed the harmful impact of sexual exploitation on adult victims and expressed gratitude to Spanish counterparts for their assistance in the investigation, pledging continued collaboration as extradition proceedings unfold.