Deputy PCC welcomes operations to tackle modern slavery and exploitation across Merseyside
24.10.25 - Merseyside
Merseyside's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a series of coordinated enforcement visits and safeguarding operations designed to protect and support those most at risk of modern slavery and exploitation
Three sites were visited in relation to illegal working. These visits led to one arrest by Immigration Enforcement for illegal working, and one individual was safeguarded and referred as a potential victim of modern slavery.
In a separate operation, four premises were visited following intelligence received about modern slavery and sexual exploitation. During these visits, eight safeguarding interviews were conducted with individuals believed to be victims of sexual exploitation. Each of these individuals has been referred for support as potential victims of modern slavery.
The intelligence gathered during the debriefs with victims is now being utilised by Operation Sanctuary to identify and disrupt those facilitating modern slavery and exploitation. This intelligence is vital in building a clearer picture of the networks involved and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.
In addition to enforcement activity, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event was held at Mather Avenue, where 50 police officers received specialist training from Immigration Enforcement. The session focused on recognising signs of exploitation and enhancing partnership working across all force departments, helping to upskill frontline officers and improve the collective response to modern slavery.
Acting Detective Inspector Gemma Ellerton, who led on the recent activity, alongside Sgt Kayleigh Gillespie and her team at Operation Sanctuary, said: “These operations demonstrate the power of partnership working in tackling the hidden harm caused by modern slavery and exploitation. Every safeguarding referral represents a life potentially changed, and the intelligence gathered will help us go further in identifying those responsible. We’re committed to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those who exploit others are held accountable.”
Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Jeanie Bell, who Chairs the region’s Modern Slavery Network, welcomed the operations and said: “Modern slavery and exploitation are inhumane crimes that take place in the shadows of society, robbing people of their freedom, dignity, and safety.
“These operations shine a light into those shadows. They show what can be achieved when agencies work together with purpose and compassion - putting victims first and acting with determination to end the suffering caused by exploitation.
“The work undertaken by Merseyside Police and our partners is making a real difference in protecting the vulnerable and disrupting those who seek to exploit them. Every person safeguarded is a life changed, and every piece of intelligence brings us closer to dismantling the networks that profit from human misery.”
Gus MacDonald, Chief Immigration Officer said: “Our continuing operations, and co-operation, with Merseyside Police, and other partners, via Operation Sanctuary, shows the benefits of partnership working in tackling modern slavery, exploitation, and related crime. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship.”
Louise Oginsky, His Majesty’s Inspector, Criminal and Financial Investigations said: “Immigration Enforcement, Criminal and Financial Investigation Team work closely with Merseyside Police and will actively seek to prosecute persons involved in Modern Slavery and safeguard any victims identified.”
Modern slavery is a hidden crime that can take many forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation. Victims are often controlled through threats, violence, debt bondage, or psychological manipulation. They may appear fearful, withdrawn, or unable to speak freely, and often live and work in poor conditions with little or no pay.
Modern slavery can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. It thrives in secrecy, which is why community awareness and multi-agency collaboration are essential in identifying and supporting victims, and in dismantling the criminal networks behind it.