A man from the Isle of Dogs has been charged as part of an investigation into sex trafficking.

Vishal Chaudhary’s address in Peninsula Square was raided on Wednesday morning in connection with a criminal network detectives think could be responsible for trafficking hundreds of women into the UK, mainly from Hungary, to work in the sex industry.

The 33-year-old has now been charged with conspiracy to traffic persons into the UK for sexual exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain.

Wednesday’s raid was one of eight carried out across London as part of a clampdown on sex trafficking.

Det Insp Kevin Hyland, who is heading the operation, said: “We believe that many women have been brought into the country having been told they will be given jobs, only to then be forced to work as prostitutes, with some being physically abused and raped in the process.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Police are urging victims of trafficking to call their free 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 2589.