Court prevents slavery suspect from leaving UK
10th March 2021
A woman suspected of exploiting vulnerable workers has been prevented by court from leaving the UK.
Teodora Dinu, 44, was handed an interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) by Doncaster Magistrates’ Court in January of this year following investigations by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
The order imposed a number of conditions on Dinu, of Gladstone Road, Doncaster, including restrictions on travel outside of the UK.
Dinu attempted to breach the order by boarding a flight at Doncaster Sheffield Airport last month but was stopped by South Yorkshire Police.
Her appeal to have this condition lifted was rejected by Doncaster Magistrates’ Court at a hearing on Friday March 5.
The interim STRO is in place until a trial for the full order is held later in the year.
GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Powell said: “We are pleased that the judge agreed with our assessment that the restrictions are necessary and proportionate. They are intended to protect vulnerable people and reduce the risk of labour exploitation in our communities.
“We were concerned that there was a very real danger that Dinu would not return to the UK if she was allowed to travel. Our investigations continue and we will not hesitate to take further action if other breaches are identified.
“I would also like to place on record our thanks to South Yorkshire Police for their professionalism and vigilance in helping us to enforce the STRO effectively.”
Dinu’s daughter Mihaela Dinu, 23, and son-in-law Florin-Ciprian Dinu, 21, are also subject to a separate STRO which was approved by the same court in August 2020.
Both of them are now currently living in their native Romania.
Breaching an STRO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
If you suspect someone is being exploited for their labour, contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk.
Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.