Police have pledged to combat modern-day slavery by cracking down on criminal gangs who traffic women to Kent for sex.

Officers across the county are taking part in a Europe-wide week of action to tackle sexual exploitation and modern slavery.

Operation Perceptional will see detectives raid dozens of properties which they think are being used as brothels.

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Yesterday, four women, believed to be sex-trafficking victims, were rescued from a suspected brothel in Ashford.

The victims, who are eastern European, were promised jobs in beauty and farming but instead are thought to be subjected to daily sexual assaults.

VIDEO: Police rescued four women believed to be victims of sex-trafficking.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Fordham said: “The victims are often controlled in such a way that their freedom is taken away from them and it’s therefore very difficult and rare for victims to come forward.

“Many of them have been forced into prostitution and have their passports, phones and documents taken away”

“They’ve often been subjected to sexual abuse for many days, weeks and sometimes months, and they can also be violently attacked by clients and traffickers.”

Raising public awareness of modern slavery and the signs to look out for also play a key role in this two-week campaign.

Mr Fordham added: “This can happen in any neighbourhood, it could be a flat, bungalow or detached property.

“Usually the brothels are rented properties and are used for about six months before the traffickers move on.

“Members of the public will normally see a steady stream of male visitors at any time of the day or night who tend to stay for short periods of time.”

The officer also lifted the lid on other forms of slavery, including forced labour, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation.

Operation Perceptional: arrests at a glance

Monday, 10 October 2016

One warrant executed in Gravesend. One woman present. No arrests made.

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Safe and well visit in Margate. No arrests. Community engagement around identifying victims and any issues the neighbourhood have around sex workers in the area.

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Safe and well visit to an address in Gillingham. Two females in their 20’s spoken to at length and given safeguarding advice.

A warrant executed in Maidstone. Two females and a male present, one female arrested under the sexual offences act.

A 27-year-old Maidstone woman was arrested in connection with managing a brothel. She has been bailed until 25 November 2016.

Warrant executed in Canterbury. One female and two males present. They are all aged in their twenties. No arrests, however, a significant number of exhibits seized and intelligence gained.

Thursday, 13 October 2016

One referral of a 17-year-old Albanian female human trafficking victim rescued.

A warrant was executed in the Canterbury. 2 males and 3 females present. Two arrests made in connection to sexual offences. Safeguarding around other females.

A 29-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, both from Canterbury were arrested in connection with offences relating to brothels. They have been bailed until 21 December 2016.

Friday, 14 October 2016

One warrant executed in Ashford. Three occupants present aged in their twenties. No arrests.

Monday, 17 October 2016

One warrant executed in Gravesend. 6 males arrested. Large quantity of cigarettes and cash seized.

Six men aged 21, 24, 26, 29, 31 and 34 were arrested in connection with evasion of duty. They have been bailed until December

A warrant was executed in Ashford. Four females present aged 20-30. No arrests.

In April, police launched an investigation after a documentary appeared to show modern slavery at car wash sites in Canterbury and Chatham.

Managers at USA Car wash strongly denied the claims made in an Al Jazeera documentary, which alleged up to six workers were being made to sleep in dingy cabins and paid well below the minimum wage.

For more information and support visit www.modernslavery.co.uk, or if you want to report cases of slavery call 101.