A man who was arrested on charges relating to trafficking women from Brazil to work in Cheltenham brothels is due to face human trafficking charges at Bristol Crown Court today.

Mark Viner was arrested at his home in Sitges, near Barcelona on October 24 by Spanish police officers accompanied by officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

He was remanded in Spain pending an extradition back to the UK and is being charged with eight offences.

Two of those related to human trafficking, a further two of controlling prostitution for gain and another two of managing or keeping a brothel.

Mr Viner is also charged with one count of entering into an arrangement for acquire the proceeds of crime and one of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing the proceeds of crime.

The charges came after a two-year investigation by officers from Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset Police, together with the CPS and Europol.

A further five people - four men from Essex, Bracknell and Cheltenham and one woman from Bristol - have been arrested as part of the case in connection with trafficking, sexual exploitation and money laundering offences.

They are currently released under investigation. Mr Viner is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court today.