A Gillingham man has been arrested after an investigation into the alleged exploitation of Slovakians in the Medway Towns.

Police and other agencies raided properties in Windsor Road and Richmond Road early today.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of people trafficking and money laundering. He remains in police custody.

It comes after allegations workers were being forced to live in squalid conditions and threatened with violence if they did not comply with their supervisor's instructions.

The alleged victims were said to have been working in several different industries, including food firms.

Warrants were executed by Kent Police officers, supported by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), the UK Human Trafficking Centre, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Red Cross.

With the help of interpreters, at least seven potential victims were taken to a reception centre set up to offer support.

"Extensive intelligence work and reports from the community suggests Slovakian migrants are being lured into the country with offers of work, accommodation and prosperity..." - DS Susan Marsden

DS Susan Marsden, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Today's arrests come following an investigation by Kent Police and our partner agencies into the illegal human trafficking trade in Medway.

"Extensive intelligence work and reports from the community suggests Slovakian migrants are being lured into the country with offers of work, accommodation and prosperity.

"However, the reality is they are being forced into living in squalid conditions and having their lives controlled by those that had promised so much and are now profiting from their labour.

"Typically our victims are being asked to work two jobs, often up to 60 hours a week, and receiving a nominal wage of £10-£15 with the supervisors pocketing the rest of the money.

"Kent Police will continue to crack down on any reports of exploitation and use a range of tactics and tools at our disposal to investigate those claims to ensure those that live in our community can live and work with a sense of freedom."

GLA chief executive Paul Broadbent said: "Our investigation leads us to believe there were people in these addresses whose lives were controlled by others – being forced to work and receiving a fraction of the wages they actually earned.

"Sadly, we are uncovering more and more cases of this type across the UK. The GLA will continue to work to protect vulnerable people, prevent workers being exploited and tackle those who take advantage by operating outside the law.

"We will now seek to liaise with any workers involved to offer our support in finding them alternative accommodation and jobs, where they will receive every penny they are due.

"If anyone suspects they know of other instances of forced labour where workers are being controlled, I would ask them to contact the GLA's free reporting line on 0800 432 0804."

The day's action comes after four men were arrested following a series of warrants in August.

Three men from Chatham arrested then have been released on police bail pending further inquiries until March.

A fourth man - a 35-year-old from Gillingham - arrested on suspicion of people trafficking has been bailed to the same date.