 The police operation was launched last month |
Nine people have been arrested after a series of raids on brothels and massage parlours in south Wales. Officers said they also seized a "substantial amount of cash and property" during the operations in Swansea, Cardiff and Bridgend.
The South Wales Police raids were part of a UK-wide operation which aims to tackle the exploitation of human trafficking victims.
Police later said the nine had been released pending further inquiries.
Premises were raided overnight on Thursday in Roath in Cardiff, Plasmarl in Swansea and in Bridgend.
'Horrific abuse'
Operation Pentameter, launched last month, targets organised criminals involved in human trafficking.
Det Supt Simon Clarke, from South Wales Police, said "recovering and assisting victims" was their main priority.
Mr Clarke added: "Trafficking victims travel to this country, usually under false pretences, and are forced into a life of vice against their will.
"They suffer horrific abuse, often being forced to see up to 40 clients a day and trapped in very damaging, kidnap-style situations.
"The operation in south Wales was successful and we are now working with our partners, including support services and the UK Immigration Service, while a police investigation continues to establish any criminal activity."
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