Two men arrested in modern slavery care homes probe

Two suspects have been arrested in a modern slavery investigation. The probe by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority is into a recruitment agency accused of supplying vulnerable students to care homes in North Wales.

The two men aged 24 and 46 were taken into custody after early morning raids conducted by the GLAA and North Wales Police in Pwllheli, Gwynedd, on Thursday.

Both individuals are currently being questioned by the GLAA on suspicion of forced labour and human trafficking offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. A husband and wife from the Abergele area had already been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and released under investigation.

Nine Indian students were identified by the GLAA as being potential victims of modern slavery and labour exploitation in December 2021. Officers found the workers sleeping on mattresses on the floor in cramped, cold and unsanitary conditions at two addresses in Colwyn Bay.

All the victims were transported to a nearby reception centre and have had safeguarding packages put in place, including food parcels and enhanced security at their addresses. Five further potential victims, also Indian nationals on student visas, were identified and are receiving the same support.

The six care homes are no longer using workers supplied by the recruitment agency. GLAA officers acted after information provided to the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline indicated that the workers were turning up to their shifts tired and “smelling”. Care home professionals also raised concerns about the quality of care that the staff were giving to residents.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Martin Plimmer said: “This is a complex investigation, and one that requires a certain level of sensitivity bearing in mind the sector in which the alleged exploitation has taken place.