‘Human trafficking victim’ rescued in Bradford

A Polish man believed to have been trafficked to the UK and exploited has been rescued and safeguarded by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in Bradford.

The 27-year-old has been accepted into the National Referral Mechanism, a government framework for ensuring potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking are given the help and support that they need.

GLAA officers carried out the operation with West Yorkshire Police on Thursday 7 March after receiving intelligence indicating that the potential victim had been brought over to the UK in 2018 with the promise of lucrative work.

However, instead it is alleged that his wages were controlled and he received only £50 a week for his work in the food processing sector.

A 21-year-old Polish man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and human trafficking offences. He has been questioned and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Powell said: “We take our responsibility to protect vulnerable workers extremely seriously and will not hesitate to ensure that potential victims are removed from exploitative surroundings.

“But as an intelligence-led organisation, we rely on your help to report the concerns you have. If you get in touch with us, we can take steps to make sure victims can move on and live their lives free from exploitation.”

Call our intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk if you have reason to believe that someone is the victim of modern slavery, human trafficking, or any other form of labour exploitation.