A COVENTRY duo have been arrested as part of a West Midlands Police slavery investigation into suspected brothels in Coventry.
Officers executed a warrant at an address in Foleshill after intelligence suggested it was being used by traffickers luring women from Eastern Europe to work in the sex industry.
The men aged 35 and 50 − both Romanian nationals − were arrested from the property and are being held in police custody for questioning on suspicion of slavery offences.
Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Wes Martin, said: “The warrant was executed on the back of police intelligence suggesting women are being brought from Romania and forced into the sex industry.
“We’ve identified several adverts on adult websites with links to addresses in Coventry we suspect are being used as illegal brothels and where women are being made to work.
“The address was searched and we’ve recovered documentation, phones and computer equipment − all of which will be analysed for potential evidence − plus bank cards and a quantity of cash.”
The raid − supported by the National Crime Agency, Salvation Army and slavery charity Hope for Justice − follows the arrest of two other Romanian nationals from an address in Stivichall on January 18.
Suraj Constantin, aged 37, and 29-year-old Christina Lautaru − who were arrested from Meschines Street − were both later charged with running a brothel.
They have been remanded into custody and are next due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on February 23.
Det Insp Martin, added: “A 22-year-old woman was safeguarded following the police call to Meschines Street and has since been repatriated to Romania.
“If anyone suspects people are being exploited in their community, or has concerns an address is being used to house people who’ve been trafficked into the country, I’d urge them to call us so we can take action.”
West Midlands police can be contacted on the 101 number, or information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
