Police swoop on Romanian site slave labour gang

Eight people have been arrested in east London following a series of raids on a Romanian slave labour gang.

A total of 33 potential victims of human trafficking – 24 men, four women, and five children – were recovered from four addresses and have been taken to a place of safety.

The raids were part of an investigation led by the Met’s Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit code-named Operation Cardinas which began in 2016.

It targeted a Romanian Organised Crime group involved in human trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in the construction industry.

All eight suspects have been taken to a central London police station where they remain in custody.

An additional seven warrants were executed by authorities in Romania resulting in the arrest of three men and one woman.

Detective Inspector Rick Sewart, from the Met’s Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit, said: “We will continue to do everything within our power to identify and apprehend those intent on trafficking human beings, and exploiting them for their own gain.

“The key partnerships between the Met, the Romanian authorities, Europol, Eurojust and all of our other partners have been crucial to furthering this investigation into organised people trafficking.”

Dan Mihalache, Romanian Ambassador in the UK, said: “Today’s activity provides a strong message against any form of exploitation and reiterates the Romanian Authorities are committed to fighting modern slavery in close cooperation with European partners.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/10/17/police-swoop-on-romanian-site-slave-labour-gang/

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