Charges over people-trafficking

Thirteen people have been charged after an inquiry into people-trafficking from eastern Europe into the UK.

They are charged with offences including people trafficking for exploitation and money-laundering.

Officers from the East Midlands Foreign National Crime team also allegedly uncovered up to £10m laundered through various companies.

Those charged are all due to appear at Wellingborough Magistrates' Court in Northamptonshire on 15 and 22 December.

Five men and a woman from from Kettering, Northamptonshire, are among those charged.

Two men from Wolverhampton, three men from Coventry and a 25-year-old woman from Birmingham have also been charged.

A 27-year-old man from Spalding in Lincolnshire is also facing charges.

Operation Ruby is being led by the East Midlands Foreign National Crime team within Northamptonshire Police together with the UK Border Agency.

It is supported by the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC), the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority (GLA).