Five arrested in modern slavery raids

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences after two separate raids by police last week.

• Criminals exploiting workers on major projects
  CIOB welcomes Government review of Modern Slavery Act

  Criminals exploiting workers on major projects

• CIOB welcomes Government review of Modern Slavery Act

Two Indian men were arrested in Coventry on 13 September following a Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) operation.

A 44-year-old Romanian man, thought to have been exploited through work in the construction sector, was safeguarded following the raid. He has since has entered the government’s National Referral Mechanism, a framework for ensuring potential modern slavery and human trafficking victims receive the support they need.

The GLAA acted following allegations from the potential victim that the suspects had been controlling his behaviour through keeping his ID, withholding his wages, threatening violence.

Both suspects aged 49 and 38 are currently in custody.

Meanwhile, in an operation in conjunction with the National Crime Agency and the GLAA and involving 100 officers, police executed a warrant at an address in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

Three people were arrested and a number of potential victims safeguarded.

Speaking following the Coventry operation, GLAA senior investigating officer Andy Davies said: “Modern slavery and labour abuse can come in a variety of forms and I would encourage the public to be aware of some of the key signs that someone is being exploited. Is their freedom being restricted? Is their behaviour slightly unusual? What are their living and working conditions like? Do they have control of their finances? All of these can be signs of labour abuse.

“In some cases, victims may be reluctant to share their story so any information you give can help us rescue and protect vulnerable workers.”

Anyone who has suspicion of modern slavery or labour exploitation offences should call the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 432 0804 or email [email protected].

Three people were arrested and a number of potential victims safeguarded.

Speaking following the Coventry operation, GLAA senior investigating officer Andy Davies said: “Modern slavery and labour abuse can come in a variety of forms and I would encourage the public to be aware of some of the key signs that someone is being exploited. Is their freedom being restricted? Is their behaviour slightly unusual? What are their living and working conditions like? Do they have control of their finances? All of these can be signs of labour abuse.

“In some cases, victims may be reluctant to share their story so any information you give can help us rescue and protect vulnerable workers.”

Anyone who has suspicion of modern slavery or labour exploitation offences should call the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 432 0804 or email [email protected].