Modern slavery arrests after three restaurants raided
Two people have been arrested as part of a West Midlands Police investigation into the exploitation of Eastern European workers for cheap labour.
Officers carried out raids at three restaurants across the region after acting on information which suggested staff were being brought into the UK and paid a pittance.
Modern slavery warrants were executed simultaneously at Ming Moon in Wolverhampton, Wing Wah in Coventry and Red Leaf in West Bromwich. An associated address in Handsworth was also raided.
In total 20 men, mainly from Slovakia and Romania, were discovered and living in poor conditions.
Two Slovakians – a 49-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman – have been arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
Chief Inspector Sally Simpson, from West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said: “Unfortunately we hear all too often of cruel individuals making large sums of money on the back of the misery of others.
“These ‘gang masters’ promise a job, accommodation and money; but people end up working long hours, living in poor conditions and being paid next to nothing.
“This is the 21st century and we are committed to tackling people trafficking and modern slavery. We are continually looking to raise awareness of what is still a hidden crime.”
