Modern slavery and gangmaster arrest in Ipswich

A 42-year-old Romanian man has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and gangmaster offences.

Officers from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) arrested the man in a dawn operation on Thursday 2 August, with assistance from Suffolk Police.

The man 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.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Seven people, all Romanian nationals, have been supported by the GLAA as part of the operation.

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

Anyone who has suspicions of modern slavery or labour exploitation offences should get in touch with the GLAA's intelligence team by calling them on 0800 432 0804 or emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk.

Alternatively, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.