Man Arrested on Suspicion of Construction Slavery Offences

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences in the construction industry. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police discovered 11 men living in “appalling conditions” in Edgeware, London, yesterday.

The raid was part of an investigation into a Romanian organised crime group suspected of holding the 11 men in debt bondage. The 49-year-old suspected construction slaver is now being questioned by investigators.

Construction Slavery Offences

NCA Senior Investigating Officer, Ian Truby, commented: “The operation was a culmination of an investigation into a Romanian organised crime group suspected of involvement in trafficking and labour exploitation in the construction industry.

“It is alleged that victims were forced to live in appalling conditions under the control of the group through a form of debt bondage, which meant they received very little money for work they did.”

Ian Waterfield, Director of Operations for the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority who supported the investigation, said: “Thousands of people are being exploited for their labour across the country, so I would appeal to the public to report anything suspicions. Ourselves and our colleagues can then take swift and decisive action such as with today’s operation.”

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