Police bust charity scam slavery ring in the North

Police arrested six people on suspicion of slavery offences and removed a dozen “victims” in early morning raids in Newcastle and Gateshead yesterday.

The raids followed an investigation into a suspected Lithuanian organised crime ring. Officers believe a gang trafficked people from Eastern Europe and forced them to work in a charity clothes collection scam in the area.

Superintendent Steve Barron, of Northumbria Police, who led the operation, said no legitimate charities were involved in suspected offences.

He said: “Our priority has been to safeguard vulnerable people in our region and victims of modern day slavery.”