200 migrant ‘slaves’ are saved from flower farm
AROUND 200 migrant workers were rescued by anti-slavery police yesterday in an early-morning raid on a flower farm.
Three men were arrested amid suspicions the eastern Europeans were victims of modern slavery offences.
Last night – as the migrants were being supported by council and charity workers – police remained at the entrance to the remote farm on the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall.
It is thought to be run by a father and son who are tenants of Bosahan Estate. Satellite images show rows of what appear to be static caravans in the grounds of the complex, although only one caravan could be seen from the road yesterday.
Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday’s operation involved the Gang Masters Labour Abuse Authority, HMRC, Cornwall Council and the Salvation Army, with most of those affected thought to hail from Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria.
Officers said a 61-year-old man and a 41-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences. A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being an unlicensed gangmaster. All three men, who are from the Helston area, remain in police custody.
The force said the ‘safeguarding of the welfare’ of the 200 or so workers was being managed by the council, with support from the Salvation Army and the British Red Cross, at a reception centre. Of these, a dozen men and two women – all aged between 20 and 40 – had sought help through a that offers potential victims support.
A Cornwall Council spokesman added: ‘The people being supported are not in trouble and they are not being detained. They are free to leave at any time but will be encouraged to take up the offers of help that are available.
‘All agencies are working together to help the alleged victims over the next 72 hours, after which an assessment will be carried out to decide next steps.’
The council and other agencies are helping the affected workers find temporary accommodation, providing any medical treatment and linking people with other employment opportunities. It is understood that other local farms have already come forward to offer jobs for those that want one.
A representative of Bosahan and Halvose Farm, which operates under the name RH Scrimshaw and Sons, declined to comment on the raid. The firm’s website yesterday displayed a message saying it was being updated.
Michael Tylor, a trustee of Bosahan Estate, which also includes the tourist attraction Bosahan Garden, said: ‘I don’t know anything about the investigation – it has nothing to do with the estate. The farmer is simply one of our tenants.’
The council spokesman added: ‘Modern slavery is a crime. It is work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered him or herself voluntarily. Victims are forced to work against their will, often working very long hours for little or no pay in dire conditions under verbal or physical threats of violence to them or their families. It can happen in many sectors of our economy, including farm work.’
Kathryn Taylor, from the Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking and modern slavery team, added: ‘It is vital that all victims of modern slavery gain access to the assistance they so desperately need.
‘All potential adult victims are offered support and, should they wish to receive the assistance, then they will receive immediate access to specialised support, such as counselling, interpretation services, legal and immigration advice, medical and financial assistance and safe house accommodation if needed.’
‘Victims are offered support’