Orpington and Surrey raids lead to four human trafficking arrests

Two men aged 43 and 38 and two women aged 45 and 42 have been arrested following the raids in Walton on Thames and Esher, Surrey and Orpington.

Police believe an organised crime gang have been trafficking vulnerable women from south east Asia into prostitution at hotels around Gatwick and in the south east.

The four were held on suspicion of human trafficking, controlling a prostitute for gain and money laundering after 40 officers executed search warrants at properties.

Mobile phones and computers were seized in the raids, which took place after intelligence emerged that women were being trafficked and exploited at hotels.

More than 400 hotel bookings made by men via two websites were examined in the investigation, which has led to at least 10 women involved being traced, Sussex Police said.

Chief Inspector Andy Kundert said: "Officers and partners from a number of organisations have been working closely together over a number of months to identify those responsible for these offences and to identify victims.

"We are currently examining more than 400 hotel bookings made by men via text from two websites.

“We believe there has been money laundering to the tune of several hundred thousand pounds from the proceeds of this activity.

"We have already traced at least 10 women who have been involved and inquiries are continuing to trace and talk to others, solely as witnesses in what we believe was an organised scheme to bring them into the country and exploit them for financial purposes.

"This investigation follows valuable information we have received from the hotels involved, with whom we work increasingly closely to help combat any crime of all kinds."

Gatwick Airport was not involved in the operation, and there has been no evidence that the airport was used as the port of entry for the women.

The suspects are facing interview in police custody.