Eight people have been charged following a major police investigation into human trafficking and modern slavery in Plymouth and Cornwall.

The five women and three men are charged with conspiracy to traffick persons into the UK for the purpose of labour exploitation.

They were due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court this morning (19 September).

Those charged are:

• Lenka Cmejlova, 32, of Union Street, Plymouth.

• Jiri Sebelik, 37, of Union Street, Plymouth.

• Martin Tancos, 35, of Saltash Road, Plymouth.

• Katerina Kuriova, 35, of Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth.

• Nela Dzurkova, 26, of Ford Park Road, Plymouth.

• Petr Tancos, 35, of Ford Park Road, Plymouth

• Sandra Tancosova, 25, of Flora Court, Plymouth

• Ruzena Tancosova, 34, of Union Street, Plymouth

The eight people were arrested on Tuesday, September 16, by police in a joint operation with Plymouth City Council, the National Crime Agency, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, The Salvation Army, The British Red Cross and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Eight suspected victims of human trafficking were recovered by police and partner agencies and remain in the care of Plymouth City Council, The Salvation Army and the British Red Cross.