Ten arrests in sex-trafficking raids

LONDON - Police rescued 19 women yesterday after launching dawn raids across the country as part of an operation against sex traffickers.

Nine men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, the Metropolitan Police said.

Thirteen of the women were found at an address in Paddington, west London and six in Birmingham.

They were all taken by officers from the clubs and vice unit to a special reception unit where health professionals, interpreters and sexual offences investigators were on hand.

"I hope this morning's operation will send out a clear message to the organisers of this vile trade that we will find them and we will seize their assets," said Chief Superintendent Ian Dyson of the Metropolitan Police.

Last September, 19 women from countries including Greece, Turkey, Poland, Latvia, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong were rescued in a high-profile raid on a Birmingham parlour.

- REUTERS