Third woman charged over human trafficking and brothel keeping in Paisley

A third woman has been charged in a human trafficking and brothel keeping investigation after properties were raided by police in Paisley.

The intelligence-led operation was carried out alongside the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team with officers attending addresses in Scotland’s largest town on September 26.

Police apprehended and charged two women, aged 38 and 44, in connection with human trafficking, brothel keeping and serious and organised crime offences.

Officers confirmed that on Monday, a 37-year-old woman was also arrested and charged at Abercorn Street, Paisley, over the same alleged offences.

She is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 24.

The arrests follow an extensive investigation into the alleged illicit activity taking place at premises in the Abercorn Street area of Paisley.

Detective sergeant Jason Buxton, of the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Public Protection Pro Active Unit, said: “We will use all means available to apprehend and bring to justice individuals responsible for these types of crimes.

“Our main priority is to ensure the safeguarding and wellbeing of vulnerable people affected and at risk by this type of exploitation.

“Those who benefit from this type of criminality will have nowhere to hide. With our partners, we will endeavour to make Renfrewshire and Inverclyde a hostile environment for any criminal activity and continue to strive to ensure it’s a safe place for all.

“Information from people within our communities remains key to helping us identify those involved.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns about exploitation of any kind, to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”