Hamilton man is accused of human trafficking

A Hamilton man is one of four charged following an operation to tackle human trafficking and serious organised crime.

Maris Kursis appeared on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court this week under the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004.

The 28-year-old is also charged with arranging travel for passengers within the UK with the intent of exploiting them.

He made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination.

A superviser in a supermarket distribution warehouse in West Lothian, he was released on bail.

Operation Heathyard, led by CID officers saw a number of warrants executed last Friday.

The series of raids were supported by West Lothian Council, the National Crime Agency and Greater Manchester Police and the men were detained at addresses in Livingston, Bathgate and Salford, targeting Latvian communities.

Six further addresses were searched in Livingston, Bathgate and Blackburn and a reception centre was set up to support potential victims of human trafficking.

Three other Latvians appeared at the same court on identical charges and were also committed for further examination.

They were 36-year-old Aivars Dzagarjans, from Forth, Arvids Civkors (28) from Edinburgh and Hardijs Langsteins (35) from Salford, Greater Manchester.

They made no plea or declaration and were all released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Healy of Lothian Scottish Borders Police Division said 20 people had been interviewed.

He said:“inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their travel to and from Scotland. In the meantime, they are being offered support and assistance in terms of health and welfare.this operation is the result of a complex and lengthy investigation. A large number of officers and colleagues from partner agencies have been involved and I would like to thank them for their work so far.”