Dorset Police news site

Neighbourhood officers in North Dorset worked with partners to execute a warrant at a business premises in Gillingham as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected exploitation, immigration and financial offences.

Following intelligence from the community and detailed enquiries, officers from the local neighbourhood policing team worked with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Immigration Enforcement to execute the warrant on Wednesday 29 July 2026, as part of Operation Alpena.

The warrant led to a 20-year-old man from Sussex and a 22-year-old man from Buckinghamshire being arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering offences. They have been released on police bail as further enquiries are carried out.

Three further men were also arrested for immigration offences, with Immigration Enforcement leading on this element of the investigation.

The day of action also enabled partners to safeguard a number of individuals.

Police Constable Bradley Gibbs, of the North Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard vulnerable individuals and take positive action against those involved in this type of reported criminality.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding as we carried out this warrant and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“As ever, we are indebted to members of the public for providing information and intelligence and would urge anyone with further information in relation to this matter or offences of this nature to please contact us.”

Officers are keen to hear about any further information which may assist with our investigation, please do not hesitate to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101 quoting the occurrence number 55260079614. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.