Specialist officers were deployed
05:00, 03 Jul 2026Updated 11:04, 03 Jul 2026
Police swooped on scores of businesses across Stoke-on-Trent businesses as part of a national 'organised immigration crime' crackdown. In total 22 shops were visited in the Potteries where 46 people were 'debriefed'.
Staffordshire Police say the aim of the operation was to protect vulnerable people at risk of being exploited. Following the visits, which took place between June 15 and 20, referrals have been made to Trading Standards and immigration officials.
Detectives in the county say such operations are key to breaking up 'criminal networks' targeting places like Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Detective Inspector Carla Thompson, from the force's modern slavery and human trafficking team, said: "This activity generates crucial intelligence that helps us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice.
“This is only possible through the continued support of our communities. You will be listened to and any information provided could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality and to safeguard potential victims.
“Organised immigration crime, or people smuggling, often overlaps with exploitation and we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.”
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Police have not released further details of the exact locations targeted in the operation.
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