The Met said there would be more raids in the future

The raids were part of Operation Maxim, an intelligence-led operation investigating crimes such as kidnapping, identity theft, drugs trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering.

Two women were arrested on suspicion of being involved with identity fraud in Tulse Hill, south-east London and Edmonton in north London.

A number of other people are being interviewed and detectives are examining passport applications and birth certificates found at one address.

Scotland Yard said it was the first in a series of raids expected to take place over the next weeks and months.

London 'hub' for crime gangs

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said police were increasingly concerned about the links between organised crime, human trafficking and the illegal sex industry in London.

Officers from the Met have been working side by side with immigration officials as part of Operation Maxim, because of evidence of links between eastern European organised crime groups and the illegal sex industry.

"Intelligence shows us that London is a hub for illegal entrants intent on committing serious and organised crime," said Mr Ghaffur.

"These criminals not only traffic illegal entrants into the UK, often into lives of exploitation, but also bring increased violence, guns and dangerous drugs into their own communities."