A WOMAN has been arrested in High Wycombe as part of the UK Border Agency’s ‘biggest ever’ operation against a suspected sex trafficking ring.

Agency officers, in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, arrested the 35-year-old from a property in Abbey Barn Lane on suspicion of conspiring to control prostitution for gain, trafficking and money laundering offences.

They also raided a property in Totteridge Road, during which they arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of Immigration absconding offences.

Nine people in total were arrested as more than 150 officers from eight different forces simultaneously hit 13 addresses across the south-east of England.

It follows a year-long investigation by the UK Border Agency into suspected sex trafficking – one of the biggest the agency has ever carried out.

Assistant Director Sam Bullimore, from the agency’s Criminal and Financial Investigation team, said: “This is one of the biggest operations ever undertaken by the UK Border Agency, targeting what we believe is a significant organised crime group responsible for the supply of sex workers around the South East.

“It is the result of an extensive and lengthy investigation involving the UK Border Agency and a number of police forces. That investigation continues with the evidence that we have seized today.”

Three men aged 52, 38 and 34 were also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to control prostitution for gain, trafficking and money laundering offences.

While four men and a woman, all believed to be Chinese nationals, were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the management of a brothel.

Two other people, all Chinese nationals, were detained for immigration offences.

All nine are now being questioned by UK Border Agency investigators.

Women who are believed to have been working in brothels are now being cared for and assessed at a specialist centre.

In a flyer to residents, Supt Gilbert Houalla, Area Commander said: “We are supporting the UK Border Agency to carry out these warrants to target groups of organised criminals and work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to ensure High Wycombe remains a safe place to be.

“Police officers and Police Community Support Officers from the local neighbourhood teams are currently in the area to offer reassurance and inform the local community of the ongoing police activity.

“In the vast majority of cases, sex workers are victims and don’t feel confident to come forward and speak to the police.

“I would like to make the reassurance that we will make every effort to treat victims of crime with utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “As today’s raids show, we are working with the police and other law enforcement agencies to tackle the organised criminals who abuse the immigration system.

"This summer we are targeting our efforts on breaking up the organised gangs who trade in human beings and are behind visa scams.

"The message is clear - the UK is no longer a safe haven for immigration offenders and human traffickers.”