Several car washes and nail bars in Teesside have been fined over £100,000 after suspicion of involvement in modern day slavery.

Cleveland Police Complex Exploitation Team (CET) have been working closely with Immigration Enforcement, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Cleveland Fire Brigade and the Environment Agency to take action against those suspected of being involved in modern slavery, human trafficking and organised immigration crime.

During periods of intensification this year, the CET have visited locations including eight nail bars and seven car washes in unannounced joint visits.

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Many workers who may be at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking offences have been spoken with and offered support, diversion and safeguarding.

A total of £110,000 in fines has been issued to employers of illegal workers and a male and female were both arrested during visits and subsequently detained under the Immigration Act pending a decision on their removal from the UK.

Detective Inspector Dave Glass, from the CET, said: “The Complex Exploitation Team will continue to work closely with partner agencies and charities to tackle the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking across Cleveland and offer safeguarding and support to victims.

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“Those who are subjected to labour exploitation often have extremely poor living conditions, they work with a lack of protective equipment and can be afraid to accept payment, with their wages often taken from them by an exploiter.

“Anyone who finds themselves in this situation or thinks they may know of a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking is asked to report it to Cleveland Police on 101.

Further information on spotting the signs can be found here: https://www.unseenuk.org/about-modern-slavery/spot-the-signs/