A MAN and a woman from Crewe and Nantwich have been charged in connection with an investigation into human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The pair are due to appear before South and East Cheshire (Crewe) Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The 49-year-old man, of James Hall Street, Nantwich, is facing one count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, one count of money laundering and 14 counts of controlling women for prostitution.

The 37-year-old woman, of Badger Avenue, Crewe, has been charged with one count of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and 14 counts of controlling women for prostitution.

The pair were arrested in Cheshire on Wednesday, May 20 following a number of raids across the UK at properties in Nantwich, Crewe, London, Bristol, Stoke, and Preston.

The operation, led by Detective Inspector David Browne of Cheshire Police, involved a number of different agencies and other police forces across the UK.

These include The Met, Avon and Somerset Police, Staffordshire Police and Lancashire Police along with the National Crime Agency.

Anyone who may have any information that could assist officers with their enquiries, are urged to speak to a local officer or call Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.