In a statement released following a dawn operation yesterday [2 August], the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) revealed their officers arrested the man with help from Suffolk Police.

The man, a Romanian national, was arrested for suspected human trafficking offences under Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and acting as an unlicensed gangmaster under Section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.

Officers acted following allegations that the suspect had been supplying workers into the regulated food processing sector before controlling their work through accommodation, wages and other aspects.

The man remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

The GLAA further revealed seven people, all Romanian nationals, have been supported by the GLAA as part of the operation.

The GLAA added it used its Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) powers to search and seize evidence.

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