Gangmaster arrests in Liverpool

A joint raid between Merseyside Police and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), has seen two men and a woman arrested in the Bootle area on suspicion of operating as gangmasters without a licence. Police officers, supported by police dogs and the police helicopter entered two premises in the Bootle area of Liverpool yesterday morning, due to suspicions of firearms being present in the buildings.

Once the properties were deemed safe officers from the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and the Merseyside Human Trafficking Team entered to speak to a number of individuals found in the premises. Where GLA officers also seized documentation and computers.

The 55 year old man, 41 Year old man and 41 year old woman were Czech nationals, based in the Bootle area.

All were arrested for suspected offences under Section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 for the offence of operating without a licence. The 41 year old man and the 41 year old woman were also arrested on suspicion of money laundering. A large amount of cash was recovered from the property and was seized by Merseyside Police.

Paul Whitehouse, Chairman on the GLA said

“The GLA can confirm that there is an ongoing operation in the Merseyside area. It has been undertaken in partnership with Merseyside Police. Two properties in the Oxford avenue area of Bootle were entered under firearms warrants at approximately 10.30 on Tuesday morning. There have now been 3 arrests made on suspicion of operating as a gangmaster without a licence.”

“I would like to take the opportunity to praise the work and co-operation of Merseyside Police, which has been first class throughout this operation.”

The investigation is continuing.

Notes to editors

1. The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up to curb the exploitation of workers in the agricultural, horticultural, shellfish gathering and associated processing and packing industries.

2. Protecting workers is the key aim alongside protecting legitimate labour providers and protecting the tax payer by uncovering unpaid taxes.

3. The GLA regulate the supply of workers and labour services to any of the regulated sectors in the UK

4. A new useful tool has been created by the Association of Labour Providers to assist those working within the GLA licensing scheme. Additionally the ALP works closely with the GLA in its role as a key stakeholder. To find out more about this helpful tool visit www.labourproviders.org.uk or contact on 01276 509306 or info@labourproviders.org.uk

5. Paul Whitehouse Chairman of the GLA is available for interview.

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