Two arrested in modern slavery probe

TWO men have been arrested amid investigations into modern slavery in care homes in Wales.

The suspects, aged 24 and 46, were arrested on suspicion of forced labour and human trafficking offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The arrests are part of investigations into a recruitment agency accused of supplying vulnerable students to care homes in north Wales.

The two suspects were taken into custody after the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and North Wales Police carried out early morning raids in Pwllheli, Gwynedd, yesterday.

It comes after a husband and wife, both registered nurses who run the recruitment agency, were arrested at their home address in Abergele in Conwy on suspicion of modern slavery offences, but are currently released under investigation.

Six care homes are no longer using workers supplied by the recruitment agency, said the GLAA.

The GLAA identified nine Indian students as 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.

The authority acted after information provided to the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline indicated that the workers were turning up to their shifts tired and “smelling”, the authority said.

The alleged victims were transported to a nearby reception centre and have had safeguarding packages put in place. Five further potential victims, also Indian nationals on student visas, were identified within the community and are receiving the same support.