Thirteen men have been arrested on suspicion of trafficking offences following early morning raids in Kingsbury and Romania.

Met Police and Romanian officers simultaneously executed a number of warrants early this morning (September 28), as part of a proactive operation targeting the human trafficking of Romanian citizens to the UK.

Romanian adults have been recruited and trafficked to the Kingsbury to work on building sites as unskilled labourers, Scotland Yard said.

A total of 54 men and one male juvenile have been safeguarded following the raid.

Four warrants were executed in Harrow and Brent where cash and a firearm were also seized.

The men were found housed in multi-occupancy addresses with mattresses covering the whole floor space.

Occupants were found sleeping in "extremely cramped conditions" and are now receiving support from specialist officers.

Eight men have been arrested in London for human trafficking and have been taken to a north London police station.

A further five men were arrested in Romania where gold and around 250,000 Euros were seized from the OCG.

Those arrested are aged between 22 and 49 for a variety of offences, including causing another to complete forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking contrary to the modern slavery act 2015, police added.

The investigation was launched by the Met in August 2019 after intelligence highlighted a Romanian organised crime group (OCG) operating.

Det Con Dec Wilson, from Central Specialist Crime, said: “These arrests in the UK and abroad are the result of working closely with our partners in Romania for the past 18 months, to identify those involved in the human trafficking and labour exploitation.

“This Eurojust Joint Investigation Team should serve as a warning to other organised crime networks that the Met is committed to working with international law enforcement to target those committing modern day slavery offences in London.

"We need the public’s help as they have an important role to play in recognising and reporting modern slavery.

"If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.

"Often those affected do not see themselves as potential victims of labour exploitation and many will have been coerced into this life to make money for an organised crime network.

"We believe there are victims of modern slavery in every borough across London and the public may encounter them every day, possibly without realising.

"As well as being exploited for labour, victims have been found working in construction, domestic servitude, agriculture, cannabis factories and in places you use yourself, such as car washes, barbers and nail bars.

"Victims are often told the police and authorities in the UK are not to be trusted and with limited English the victims are unable to seek help, even if they want to."

Anyone who suspects they have come into contact with victim of modern slavery or trafficking and require support can call The Salvation Army’s 24 hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.

Alternatively report a suspicion or seek advice through the 24 hour Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.

People can contact the police online or by calling 101, or in case of an emergency dial 999. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Enquiries continue.