Car wash owner held after ‘modern day slavery’ raids
Police investigation into workers’ conditions
Police have arrested a car wash boss as part of an investigation into an organised crime network suspected of modern slavery offences.
Officers raided Avion Elezi’s home – eight months after a documentary team uncovered alleged horrific working conditions at the chain of USA Car Washes he runs.
They carried out simultaneous raids at the car washes in Aylesford, Canterbury, Chartham and Hersden. Two homes used as accommodation by employees were also visited by police.
Officers arrived at Elezi’s terraced home, in Canterbury, at 6am and removed him 30 minutes later.
The 32-year-old Albanian told reporters: “Morning. I hope you’re happy.”
A woman aged 21 was also arrested at the home and a 32-year-old man was arrested elsewhere. All three have been bailed until the spring.
Supt Eddie Fox confirmed the operation had been prompted by the Al-Jazeera news channel doc- umentary, which looked at workers’ conditions.
Supt Fox said: “Since then there has been a lot of investigative work. There is concern workers are being exploited and exposed to dangerous working conditions.
The programme centred on footage from a Romanian national who used a secret camera to film conditions and treatment of staff.
In one scene, a worker unaware he is being filmed, says: “We are treated worse than slaves. At least the rats are free.”
The raids were carried out in conjunction with the National Crime Agency, the Environment Agency and the Immigration Enforcement team from the Home Office and involved 80 police officers.
Police have also taken more than 20 car wash employees to a reception centre to be interviewed.
They believe up 15 people could be victims.
Supt Fox said the investigation would proceed under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, but could involve a variety of potential offences, such as money laundering, or assault.
“It’s a complicated investigation with a number of challenges. There is a language issue and some people may not think they are victims or being exploited.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.