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Photo: AP
Israelis arrested in UK for sex trafficking
Two brothers suspected of operating brothels worth over $2 million; police free eight women in raid
LONDON - British police arrested three suspects on Monday in a raid targeting sex-traffickers in Britain. Officials confirmed that one of the two men arrested is an Israeli citizen. Their ages were reported as 34 and 35. The third suspect is an unidentified 26-year-old woman.
British media reported that both men are Israelis, however authorities were unable to confirm either the second man's nationality or his relation to the first suspect.
The chain of brothels is estimated as being worth over $2 million. Police have effectively dismantled the chain.
Eight women were rescued from two of the locations operated by the men, in Victoria and South Kensington. The women were taken for questioning at local police stations after being provided with professional counseling, medical treatment and translators.
Authorities also impounded the suspects' private vehicles, evidently used to transport the women.
"This is one of several operations being carried out by police forces in an attempt to thwart the coercion of vulnerable women into the prostitution industry. I hope this operation sends out a clear message to all those involved in this appalling trade," said one of the police officers involved in the raid.
The Israeli embassy in London said it had yet to receive any notice on the matter from British authorities.
