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Police swooped on a Tyneside human trafficking ring thought to have links to a multi-million pound European organised crime gang.

Homes in Newcastle and Gateshead were targeted in dawn raids which resulted in six arrests and eight women being offered support.

It is understood the gang lured girls to the UK from Romania with the promise of paid work - before trapping them into a life of prostitution.

Investigators believe the criminals were using the internet to advertise the services of their victims, then forcing them to launder the proceeds through bank accounts controlled by the gang.

Across Europe, the group and its wider network are suspected to have made around €5m in criminal profits.

In Newcastle and Gateshead, 10 addresses were targeted, six arrests were made and eight women are being offered support.

(Image: NCA)

During the raids, which also took place in Manchester, officers from the National Crime Agency and Northumbria Police seized thousands of pounds in cash, as well as one round of ammunition and pepper spray.

Brian Shaw, NCA north east operations manager, said: “The criminal networks involved in human trafficking often coerce people to move across continents on the basis of false promises of a better life.

“In reality, victims are treated as commodities and end up being as victims of sexual exploitation, domestic servitude or forced labour.

“Tackling modern slavery and human trafficking is a priority for the NCA and we have had tremendous support from local authorities and colleagues across law enforcement to disrupt this network and safeguard victims.”

The operation in the UK was part of an international day of action led by the Romanian authorities and co-ordinated through Europol and Eurojust.

Search warrants were also executed in the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany and Romania where a further 30 suspected members of the criminal network were arrested.

(Image: NCA)

The raids were the culmination of months of work by investigators from the NCA and Northumbria Police.

Alongside Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, the Crown Prosecution Service, NHS and British Red Cross, they have been targeting gangs trafficking vulnerable women to Tyneside.

On Monday four addresses were raided in Gateshead and three in Newcastle.

Police made three arrests and eight women were safeguarded and offered support by specialist officers.

Tuesday saw a second operation launched where three addresses in Newcastle were searched.

A further three people were arrested in connection with modern day slavery offences.

Superintendent Peter Bent, of Northumbria Police’s Crime Department, said: “Human traffickers exploit vulnerable people in truly appalling ways and control them through violence and threatening behaviour.

“Some of the women we have safeguarded today may not even realise they are victims but they will now receive the level of care and support they need.

“Modern day slavery is a horrendous crime but it is often hidden and we rely on the vigilance of people in our local communities to report any suspicious behaviour to us.

“We all have a responsibility to help protect those who may be vulnerable and we believe that Safeguarding is everyone’s business.”

The arrests were welcomed by council chiefs in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Gateshead Council leader, Martin Gannon, said: “It is horrendous to think that human trafficking still exists in the 21st century and is here, operating on Tyneside. We will do everything we can to help our partners eradicate this problem.”

Deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, Joyce McCarty, added: “Modern day slavery is an appalling crime and people will be truly shocked to think this is happening here in Newcastle.

“Our priority is to care for the victims and ensure they receive all of the support that they need. This kind of crime is often hidden, but I would urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”

If you suspect someone you know may be a victim of modern slavery, you can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

If you think they are in danger, you can call your local police force on 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress).