GLAA find suspected slave in Oldham
A suspected modern slavery victim who claims he has been living in an attic room and forced to work for the past six years has been discovered by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigators during a dawn raid in Oldham, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday.
The Hungarian national, in his late 50s, alleges he was sent to perform work in a food-processing factory and collecting scrap metal, but had no access to the wages paid into his bank account.
Four arrests were carried out at two addresses in Oldham for possible offences under the Modern Slavery Act.
A 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman – both originally from Hungary – were arrested at a property in the Greenacres area, while a 60-year-old Hungarian man was apprehended at a separate address nearby. An elderly woman was also arrested.
GLAA senior investigating officer Martin Plimmer said: “Working with the local police and immigration officers, we have been able to arrest the suspects and will now seek to gather evidence to ensure that justice is done.”
Inspector John Harrison, from the Manchester Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement Team, said: “Today’s operation sends a strong message, and we will continue to work with law enforcement partners such as the GLAA to tackle those who seek to exploit vulnerable people.”
Enquiries are continuing.
