Gangmaster arrest in Newport

A 36-year-old Latvian man has been arrested on suspicion of labour exploitation offences after an investigation by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in South Wales.

GLAA investigators were joined by officers from Gwent Police in carrying out the dawn raid at an address east of Newport city centre on the morning of Tuesday 9 October.

The suspect is being questioned following intelligence that he was acting as an unlicensed gangmaster in the fresh food packaging and processing sector, contrary to Section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.

Officers also searched the property to seize evidence relevant to the investigation.

Anyone who provides workers for food packaging and processing, agriculture, horticulture, and shellfish gathering requires a GLAA licence by law.

The maximum penalty for operating without a licence in one of the GLAA regulated sectors is 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

If you believe someone is being exploited, let us know your concerns by calling our intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk