Thirteen people suspected to have been victims of forced labour have been freed as part of a multi-agency operation to tackle organised crime in Cardiff.
Police arrested 20 people and seized hundreds of thousands of pounds of cash and assets, including a £160,000 Ferrari and a Bentley golf buggy.
More than 250 police officers and staff from a wide range of agencies were involved in the operation, codenamed Purple Barracuda, which was focused on people in the Traveller community.
The 13 suspected to have been victims of forced labour were rescued and are being cared for at a reception centre specifically set up for them.
We're taking part in an operation in Cardiff with @NCA_UK to dismantle organised crime groups #keepingCardiffsafe pic.twitter.com/fKbOI27urX
— South Wales Police (@swpolice) June 24, 2015
At a press conference in Cardiff on Thursday, Ch Supt Belinda Davies said the “complex and sensitive” operation involved South Wales police, British Transport police, revenue and customs officers and members of the National Crime Agency.
She said warrants were executed across the Welsh capital but the “principal activity” was focused on two Traveller sites, at New House Farm and Shirehampton, and one residential address.
Davies, the divisional commander for Cardiff, said: “Twenty people were arrested for an array of offences including suspected forced labour, money-laundering, theft and the large-scale abstraction of electricity. Suspected proceeds of crime ranging from luxury cars were seized along with a very substantial quantity of cash.”
Among the vehicles seized were a new Ferrari worth around £160,000, a Range Rover and a Bentley-branded golf buggy. Weapons were also found.
We've come across a golf cart with a difference in our searches #keepingcardiffsafe #opfulcrum pic.twitter.com/Bt0ix8631k
— SW Police Cardiff (@swpeast) June 24, 2015
Davies said: “One of the most critical elements of yesterday’s operation was our commitment to protecting British and foreign nationals from suspected forced labour and poor working conditions.”
She said the police were working with partners including the City of Cardiff council and the Red Cross to look after the 13 people who were found.
A second officer, Ch Insp James Dyson, said the operation was the culmination of several months of planning. He said the aim was to tackle “key individuals involved in organised criminality residing within the Traveller community of Cardiff”.
He said that before the operation began, advice was sought from the UK National Crime Agency’s forced labour tactical adviser.
He conceded that the operation was bound to have an “impact on the Traveller community within Cardiff and beyond”. He said: “With a view to this there is an ongoing local engagement plan in partnership with the city council and the Traveller community.”
