Home of millionaire who married daughter’s ex-boyfriend raided in human trafficking investigation
The home of a millionaire who married his daughter's ex-boyfriend has reportedly been raided by the police as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking.
Essex Police said they had yesterday (6 May) arrested two people and searched a number of premises as part of their investigation, they did not confirm the identities of the arrested individuals.
The Daily Mirror reports that one of the properties searched is a home owned by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, a millionaire who also owns football club Maldon and Tiptree FC.
He had become famous for his appearance on Channel 5 show Rich House, Poor House, while ITV had been planning on showing documentary Up The Jammers about his ownership of Maldon and Tiptree FC but the Mirror reports they will no longer be broadcasting it.
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A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Detectives leading an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences have today, Wednesday, May 6 made two arrests and carried out a series of warrants.
"Officers from the Serious Crime Directorate at Essex Police have today carried out coordinated searches of premises in Danbury, Maldon and Braintree as part of their investigation.
"Searches remain ongoing at all of the locations.
"Two men from Danbury have also been arrested. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of: rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance.
"A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and administering a noxious substance. Both men remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives."
The investigation is being led by Detective Inspector Lydia George, who added: "If anyone has any information they feel ready to share with us, I would ask them to contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) and the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support required."
The police have also set up an incident room which can be called on 0800 096 0095 for Brits, or international callers can contact them on 0207 1580125.
The stadium of Maldon and Tiptree FC has also been searched as part of the investigation, as the BBC reported that the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium was set to be a polling station for today's (7 May) local elections but it will now not be able to serve that function.
Maldon District Council's deputy returning officer Doug Wilkinson said: "In light of an ongoing police investigation, I have made the decision to relocate the polling station from the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium to Blackwater Leisure Centre.
"Voters who were due to be voting at the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium will be re-directed to Blackwater Leisure Centre and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause due to the very late change."
Joe Harker