To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests have been made as a result of Operation Pentameter; what the countries of origin are of those (a) arrested and (b) trafficked; and if he will make a statement. (80658)

[holding answer 27 June 2006]: There have been a total of 232 arrests made as a result of Operation Pentameter which to date has resulted in 134 people being charged with trafficking related offences. The majority of those arrested for offences related to trafficking under this operation are British, Chinese, Asian, East European or from the Balkans. The majority of rescued victims come from Asia, the Far East and Eastern Europe.