Monday 6th July 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Police officer carrying out enforcement activity during a modern slavery and trafficking operation.
Police have made 11 arrests as part of a major crackdown on modern slavery, human trafficking and organised immigration crime.
The enforcement activity took place throughout June 2026, led by Humberside Police’s Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Organised Immigration Crime Team (MSHT/OIC), working in support of the national Operation Lockstream initiative.
Officers executed multiple warrants and carried out proactive visits at several properties, supported by colleagues from the Kinetic Intervention Team and Immigration Enforcement, targeting organised immigration crime, trafficking, exploitation and related offences.
Seven men and four women were arrested on suspicion of offences including illegal entry, illegal working, facilitation of illegal entry under Section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971, assaulting an emergency worker, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud, theft, and possession of Class A and B drugs. All eleven individuals have been conditionally bailed while investigations continue.
Detective Sergeant Richard Kirk said supporting national operations is vital in tackling exploitation and safeguarding vulnerable people.
He said: “Proactivity like this is daily business for our teams, but intensification periods allow us to bring multiple resources together in a more targeted approach. By engaging with residents and communities, we can ensure individuals are not being exploited, trafficked, or forced into illegal work within businesses in the region.”
He added that collaboration with partner agencies helps improve early identification and support for victims of slavery, trafficking and forced immigration.
“Police forces are instrumental in not only enforcing the law, but in safeguarding and protecting those experiencing slavery, trafficking and exploitation, ensuring they are able to fully recover from this despicable crime.”
The force is urging anyone with concerns about exploitation or suspicious activity to report it. Information from residents and businesses is described as “absolutely vital” in helping detectives build a clearer picture of complex crimes that often go unnoticed.
Reports can be made via:
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101 (non‑emergency)
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999 (emergency or crime in progress)
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Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
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Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
The Organised Immigration Crime Taskforce (OICDT), which leads Operation Lockstream nationally, brings together police forces, the Home Office, the National Crime Agency and other partners to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people and undermine UK border security.