Restaurant bosses threaten to sue police over ‘anti-slavery’ raids
RESTAURANT bosses are considering suing West Midlands Police after two Midland venues were targeted in anti-slavery raids.
A solicitor acting for Ming Moon in Wolverhampton and Wing Wah in Coventry said the businesses “categorically denied” involvement in modern slavery and instead provided “local jobs for the community”.
Asked about the prospect of legal action, Ian Henery said: “My clients are considering all options available to them.” He told a press conference that a total of 19 individuals found in police raids at the two sites – both part of the same group – earlier this month were returned to the restaurants or allowed home just hours later.
Police previously said the men were discovered as part of an investigation into the alleged exploitation of eastern European workers for cheap labour.
But Mr Henery said: “My clients are not gang masters; they provide local jobs for the community.
“The whole thing was a media circus. West Midlands Police has acted abysmally.
“All restaurant employees caught up in this have been shocked and traumatised.
“My clients categorically deny any wrongdoing and are full co-operating with the police to resolve this as a matter of urgency.”
Mr Henery claimed all those described by police as suspected slaves were either returned to the restaurant or released to walk home later the same day.
He added: “None had needed to be rescued and the police have not needed to take anyone to live in special safe houses.
“No further action has been taken by the police.”
Mr Henery claimed all employees at both restaurants were paid at least the statutory minimum wage and extra hours worked could be claimed back in lieu.
Following the raids, a 49-year-old man and woman aged 45, both Slovakian, were arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
They are not employees Wah or Ming Moon.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “Our investigation is on-going. Two people remain on police bail pending further enquiries.” of Wing