Five warrants were executed early this morning in the Maidstone area by GLAA officers assisted by Kent Police, resulting in the arrest of three people. They remain in police custody and are being questioned in connection with alleged modern slavery and unlicensed gangmaster offences.

Three Lithuanian males, who were sent to work in chicken factories, have been taken to a reception centre where they will be invited to provide statements and will be assessed to see if they are potential victims of trafficking or modern slavery.

Other agencies assisting on the operation included the Salvation Army, Maidstone Borough Council, the Women’s Institute and the National Health Service.

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